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. 

National Native American Heritage Month, celebrated every November, is a great time to learn more about Chicago’s Indigenous ties both past and present. Explore some of the cultural celebrations, exhibits, and events happening this National Native American Heritage Month 2024 in Chicago.

Attend a film festival

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 fall edition, which runs from Nov. 1 – 10, includes a variety of free screenings in venues all around the city. Catch the anticipated opening program Red Fever at Facets on Nov. 1.

Explore the Center for Native Futures

In the heart of the Loop, the Center for Native Futures is a contemporary art space thats completely dedicated to showcasing the work of Native artists.

This month, theyll be hosting a free book reading event showcasing acclaimed Indigenous poets on Nov. 24, 2024. While youre there, make sure to visit the gallery to see The Upsetters: A Painting Exhibition.

Center for Native Futures gallery, located in the Marquette Building; courtesy of Center for Native FuturesVisit 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.

Visit the Mitchell Museum of the American Indian

In Evanston, the Mitchell Museum of the American Indianfeatures 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.

Try Indigenous cuisine

Get ready for a unique culinary experience featuring four talented Indigenous chefs who will showcase their signature dishes at our one-of-a-kind food-tasting event. The evenings guest of honor will be Sean Sherman, the renowned Oglala Lakota chef, author, and one of TIME s 100 Most Influential People. Held at the Palmhouse in Evanston, this exclusive experience benefits the Mitchell Museum of the American Indian.

Check out free events at Chicago Public Libraries

Chicagos libraries host a range of unique events throughout the year, and November is packed with activities honoring the citys Indigenous history and communities. Check out just a few of the upcoming film screenings, arts and crafts, book discussions, and more at neighborhood libraries this November:

Film Screening: Smoke Signals (Nov. 3) in Humboldt ParkNative Basket Weaving Paper Craft (Nov. 3) in PilsenAmerican Indian Indigenous Studies Collection Tour (Nov. 16 and 23) at Newberry LibraryVoices for Justice: 23rd U.S. Poet Laureate Joy Harjo (Nov. 18) in the LoopFamily Cooking Class: Fry Bread (Nov. 23) in Back of the YardsStarr Chief Eagle, Lakota Artist and Hoop Dance Extraordinaire (Dec. 4) in Austin

The Field Museum’s new permanent exhibition Native Truths: Our Voices, Our Stories photo by Jay YoungHonor local Native American history at the Chicago History Museum

Celebrate Native American Heritage Month at the Chicago History Museum during this commemorative event on Saturday, Nov. 23, featuring activities celebrating Native histories and the Indigenous peoples who continue to thrive in our city. The event is included with museum admission.

Experience a re-imagined exhibit and events 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.

This month, the museum will host a series of events for Native American Heritage Month, including performances, traditional singers, story time, guest and scientist talks, and more.