×

Meskwaki Nation hosts Thanksgiving Turkey Trot

Runners and walkers alike joined together in a 5k on Thanksgiving. Photo by Vanessa Roudabush.
At the Turkey Trot, Tommy Tyynismsa (R) took first place, followed by Johnny Meyer (M) getting 2nd, and Donovan Slick-Driscoll (L) receiving 3rd place. Photo by Vanessa Roudabush.
Jo-jo Tyynismaa (R) took first place for girls, followed by Nora Willow (R) in second and Kelly Wells-Sittig receiving 3rd place. Photo provided by Rudy Papakee.
The Turkey Trot wouldn’t have been possible if not for the Meskwaki Tribal Health Clinic staff and volunteers (L to R) Crystal Whitebreas, Paisley Lasley, Sara Augspurger, Sloan Mauskemo, Rudy Papakee, Tatum Lasley, and Danelle Wabaunasee. Photo by Vanessa Roudabush.
Always bring and be thankful for a walking buddy. Photo by Vanessa Roudabush.
Jenny Rosario was buzzed to reach the finish line at the Meskwaki Health Clinic. Photo by Vanessa Roudabush.
Ro Rosario (L) and Jenny Rosario (R) competitive couple nature didn’t interfere with the Turkey Trot fun on Thursday. Photo by Vanessa Roudabush.

On Thanksgiving morning, the Meskwaki Tribal Health Clinic held a Turkey Trot. Even with the dreary weather, dozens of community members participated in the 5k.

The Meskwaki Tribal Health Clinic has been hosting the Turkey Trot for several years now to help promote healthy habits during the holiday season. The entry fees for the 5k were two non-perishable food items that have been divided and donated to the Meskwaki Seniors and Tama County Food Pantry.

The first-place female, JoJo Tyynismaa, and male, Tommy Tyynismaa, runners received an award, and the second and third-place received delicious pies. Meskwaki Tribal Health also had door prizes for the Turkey Trotters to win. Everyone who participated received a signature red Meskwaki Nation 2022 Turkey Trot hoodie along with a beanie to keep them warm on their journey from the Meskwaki Tribal Health Clinic, looping the Tribal Center parking lot and back again.

Health Director Rudy Papakee was appreciative of all the community members who participated in this year’s Turkey Trot.

“[We] would like to thank everyone who came out and to all our staff who helped make the event possible. Please watch the Sac and Fox Tribe’s Facebook page for upcoming events,” he said.

The Meskwaki Tribal Health Clinic will continue to host Thanksgiving Turkey Trots in the future. For more community events like this, visit and subscribe to their calendar at meskwaki.org/health-clinic/ and find them on Facebook at MeskwakiNation.