The Chippewa Chapter of Tomahawk was organized in 1951 at Iowa State College (University). Tomahawk was an honorary organization dedicated to providing volunteer and service opportunities to independent sophomore students not already affiliated with a social fraternity or sorority. The first Tomahawk chapter was established at the University of Illinois in the early 1930s. The national Tomahawk organization was formed in 1946.



The Tomahawk chapter that formed at Iowa State was open to both men and women. The Iowa State chapter’s aim was to support other campus organizations or activities that needed service volunteers. Tomahawk organized its membership to aid the Ward System, Homecoming, VEISHEA, Freshman Registration, and other activities. Events conducted by Tomahawk included bi-weekly meetings, initiation ceremonies, a banquet, national conventions, picnics, and other social events.



In 1971, Tomahawk was charged with discrimination by the United Native American Student Association (UNASA) for perpetuating "racial overtones" and stereotypes of Native Americans. UNASA also objected to the Tomahawk organization’s use of Native American motifs and themes such as wearing red headbands, feathers, and a Native American hatchet around the neck during pledging. The name was changed to the ISU Couriers in 1983.