About Us

Originating from members of Explorer Scout Post 476, Fort Pierce, Florida and with the help of The Crow Owners Society of South Florida, the Esta-had-ke Indian Dancers evolved into what is now the longest-running inter-tribal powwow in Florida and the Southeastern United States.

Beginning in 1965, the FIHA Annual March Powwow is held on the forth weekend of March and is a family-friendly gathering, boasting a 3-day multinational event. This powwow features leaders and groups from the Seminole, Miccosukee, Lakota Sioux, Kiowa, Cherokee, Ponca and other tribes. Participants and spectators are treated to inter-tribal dancing, crafts competition, tipi and re-enactment villages, educational seminars, Native American cuisine, and over 30 vendors selling and trading everything from beads and leather goods to herbs and pottery.

In late 2018 the committee chair from the Thunder on the Beach Powwow, Dona Chesser called our President at the time, Richard Gallant, to ask if FIHA could help her out. Over the years her strong committee had dwindled down to only Dona, her husband, her kids, and a  few others. It was becoming harder and harder for her to keep up the pace of running a powwow and asked if we would be willing to assume the duties of operating the Thunder on the Beach Powwow. The board made the decision to keep this powwow alive with so many ceasing to exist. On the weekend of February 14, 2019, the Florida Indian Heritage Association ran its first powwow in Vero Beach. The Thunder on the Beach Powwow is the second event that FIHA runs yearly.

It is the goal of the Board of Directors to bring the best to the powwow community. All dancers are invited to enjoy these events as they are for you.

To view our governing current bylaws, Current FIHA Bylaws (October 2018)