Chicago is home to one of the largest urban Native American communities in the United States, with about 65,000 Native American residents and some 175 different tribes represented in the Chicagoland area.
According to the American Indian Center, Chicago is part of the traditional homelands of the Odawa, Ojibwe, and Potawatomi people. Many other tribes, including the Miami, Ho-Chunk, Sac, and Fox, have also called this area home.
Today, Chicago’s Native American history is honored in our museums, monuments, and public art. The city is also home to a thriving community of Indigenous Chicagoans sharing contemporary perspectives on traditional art, culture, and cuisine. Explore some of the art galleries, cultural centers, and event celebrating Chicago’s Indigenous communities.
Attend a film festival focused on Indigenous voices
The First Nations Film and Video Festival is the only event of its kind to solely showcase the works of Indigenous/Native American directors. The festival occurs twice annually from May 1 – 10 and Nov. 1 – 10, featuring a variety of free screenings in venues all around the city. All films are directed by Indigenous/Native American filmmakers from the United States, Canada, Central and South America, and Mexico.
Explore the groundbreaking Center for Native Futures
In the heart of the Loop, the Center for Native Futures is a contemporary art space that’s completely dedicated to showcasing the work of Native artists. The gallery space in the Loop’s historic Marquette Building in the heart of downtown hosts shows and exhibits dedicated to showcasing the works of Indigenous artists. Check their calendar for group exhibitions, panel discussions, book readings, workshops, and more.
Visit the gallery at the American Indian Center
The American Indian Center in Albany Park is dedicated to preserving Native American culture and creating connections with the larger community. They also have a gallery that cultivates and exhibits both historic and modern Native American artwork.
Explore the Gichigamiin Indigenous Nations Museum
In Evanston, the Gichigamiin Indigenous Nations Museum features exhibits dedicated to Native American culture, history, and traditions. The space is one of just a few in the country to focus exclusively on the historic and contemporary contributions and stories of Indigenous people from the United States and Canada.
Experience the Native Truths exhibit at the Field Museum
In 2022, the Field Museum unveiled a redesigned permanent exhibition on Native American culture. The refreshed exhibit, Native Truths: Our Voices, Our Stories, was created with an advisory council of Native American scholars and collaborators representing over 105 Tribes. The space features historic and contemporary beadworks, ceramics, murals, music, dance, and more.
Check out free events at Chicago Public Libraries
Chicago’s public libraries host a range of unique events throughout the year, and November is packed with activities honoring the city’s Indigenous history and communities for Native American Heritage Month. Check out just a few of the upcoming film screenings, arts and crafts, book discussions, and more at neighborhood libraries this November.
Support Indigenous-owned businesses in Chicago
- Willow Room: This cozy corner spot in Lincoln Park is the perfect location for a date night or Sunday brunch.
- Laurel: This Indigenous-owned restaurant inside The Talbott Hotel specializes in Mediterranean fare.
- Au Levain: In North Center, this neighborhood bakery draws lines for their delicious croissants and baked goods.
- Ketapanen Kitchen: This catering company specializes in traditional Indigenous ingredients and dishes. Try their cuisine at regular pop-up events throughout the city.
