In recognition of International Day of the World’s Indigenous Peoples on Aug. 9, 2025, consider using the services of indigenous-owned businesses for your next Chicago meeting or event. With over 65,000 people from some 175 tribes living and working in Chicagoland, the area is a vibrant center of indigenous heritage, offering authentic and unforgettable experiences for attendees.
Venues
Book a private, docent-led tour for up to 60 attendees at the Gichigamiin Indigenous Nations Museum (formerly the Mitchell Museum of the American Indian) in Evanston. The museum highlights the culture, history, and traditions of indigenous peoples from across the U.S., Canada, and the Arctic. View exhibits that include items like handcrafted jewelry, clothing, and artwork.
One of Chicago’s top venues, the Field Museum features the important permanent exhibit Native Truths: Our Voices, Our Stories. An advisory council of scholars and collaborators representing over 105 tribes helped guide the exhibit’s focus. Schedule a guided tour to see historic and contemporary beadwork, ceramics, murals, music, dance, and more. Or make the exhibit a part of your meeting at the museum, which accommodates both small groups and events for up to 7,500 people.
Explore a 13-acre nature park with a lagoon before or after events at Indian Boundary Park and Cultural Center in the West Ridge neighborhood. The park’s Tudor-style fieldhouse features Native American-themed ornamentation inspired by the park’s name, taken from a territorial boundary established between the Pottawattomie Indians and the U.S. government. The auditorium includes a stage and is available for private rental by contacting the park staff.
In Albany Park, the American Indian Center offers cultural classes and events such as powwow demonstrations, healing sessions, social dances, and storytelling in an effort to preserve cultural values. The nonprofit was established in 1963 to help indigenous people transition from reservation life after moving to Chicago during the U.S. government’s relocation program. See artwork in the gallery and attend programs like drum and corn husk doll crafting, beadwork, and making moccasins.
Artists and writers Monica Rickert-Bolter and Debra Yepa-Pappan co-founded the nonprofit Center for Native Futures. The gallery space in the Loop’s historic Marquette Building (at Adams and Dearborn streets) 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.
Restaurants and catering
Inquire about private dining for up to 60 guests at the indigenous-owned Willow Room in Lincoln Park. The handsomely decorated, brick-walled bistro offers bar seating, booths, and tables on the patio. The dinner menu features main dishes like truffle gnocchi with shiitake mushrooms, salmon accompanied by a parmesan cream risotto, and beef Wellington. Brunch and lunch options are available.
Discover Gold Coast gem Laurel inside The Talbott Hotel. The indigenous-owned restaurant specializes in Mediterranean fare like braised lamb shank shawarma, beet-and-goat cheese salad, and a rustic roasted eggplant mutabal. Book Laurel for a meeting of up to 60 attendees or arrange for intimate private dining on the patio. If you’re looking for a Sunday dining option, check out the Jazz Brunch with live music.
Book a group of up to 10 people to dine at Au Levain in North Center, or have the indigenous- and Hispanic-owned restaurant cater a breakfast or lunch meeting. The European-inspired bakery and cafe’s menu features items like classic croissants, brioche cinnamon rolls, quiche, and steak sandwiches. Add a sweet dessert, perhaps a dark chocolate sponge cake, pecan-cinnamon coffee cake, or coconut pie.
The pop-up Ketapanen Kitchen, owned by Menominee chef Jessica Walks First Pamonicutt, offers catering services and live cooking demonstrations. Customizable meal options range from a tasting menu to hot lunch box service and deluxe packages that include soup or salad, meats, sides, bread, and dessert. Taste traditional Native American flavors in dishes like the bison brisket sandwich, Ojibwe purple potato salad, wild rice, and roasted corn.
Services and entertainment
As attendees are passing through O’Hare International Airport, they’ll want to stop in the Spirit of the Red Horse gift shop in Terminal 1 near Gate C21. Open daily, the shop sells handcrafted American Indian jewelry made with turquoise, semi-precious stones, sterling silver, and gold. Gifts like branded coffee cups are also available.
Artist and hoop dancer Starr Chief Eagle, a member of the Sicangu (Rosebud) Lakota Sioux Tribe, shares and celebrates her indigenous culture through her performances. She creatively weaves art, storytelling, dance, and song into appearances. Fun fact: Starr Chief Eagle will compete in the World Championship Hoop Dance Contest in Arizona in February 2026. Book her services online.
The Trickster Cultural Center aims to increase visibility of indigenous traditions by offering a full schedule of exhibits, programs, and events. The suburban Schaumburg center offers three galleries, a gift shop, a learning center, and gardens. Arrange for a group tour to learn about Native American culture and history — ask about adding a drum or dance presentation, hands-on activities, and guest speakers.
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