Iowa Asian Alliance

GALLERY

State Fair Parade

Asia Foundation Reception

Big Hair Ball

IAA Eastern Iowa Trip

IAA Meeting with Eastern Iowa Leaders

Indian Community
Iowa's Indian-American population has grown considerably since a handful of Indian-American families were identified in Des Moines in 1973. Today, more than 6,700 Indian-Americans live in Iowa, more than 1,900 of whom live in Polk County.

An integral part of Iowa's communities, Indian-Americans are employed in a variety of professional fields. In Great Des Moines alone, there are approximately 100 Indian American physicians. Approximately 50 to 60 Indian-Ameircan professors teach at Iowa State and Drake Univerisites, and Pioneer Hi-Bred International Inc. employs about 30 scientists of Idian origin. Indian-Americans also work for the state and federal governments, while other are business owners.

Indian Organizations in Iowa
The Indo-American Association of Iowa, which was formed by a small group of Indian-Americans who met in 1973 at Union Park in Des Moines for a picnic, now has about 200 members. One of the group's goals is to promote India and its heritage and to host community events to introduce Indian American culture to the public. The group celebrates all of the major Indian holidays. For more information about the Indo-American Association of Iowa, please e-mail Amar Sinha at amarsinha2001@mchsi.com.

Japanese Community

The Japanese value traditions, customs and superstitions. Japan's two main religions are Shinto and Buddhism, and Japanese often participate in and observe the festivities of both religions. Many Christian traditions have been adopted due to interest in Western culture.

Japanese Organizations in Iowa
The Japan America Society of Iowa (JASI) is a not-for-profit 501 (c)(3) and non-political voluntary association whose purpose is to promote friendly international relations, education and cultural activities of interest to members and mutual understanding between the peoples of the United States and of Japan. To learn more about the organization, please visit http://www.i-rule.net/jasi.org/.

Performance Partnering in Eastern Iowa