Indigifest begins with the heartbeat of a drum, steady and alive. From that first note, the day becomes a bridge between past and future, between this land and Indigenous homelands across the globe.

Led by the American Indian Center, Chicago’s oldest Native-led organization, Indigifest is rooted in the understanding that as the Indigenous people of this land, we carry the responsibility to guide the conversation on Turtle Island about what Indigeneity means, what it has endured, and where it is going. In a city built on Native land, where Indigenous presence is often overlooked, this festival is an unapologetic reminder that we are still here.

Indigeneity is not one story. Around the world, first peoples carry different languages, traditions, and landscapes, yet share a history of resilience in the face of colonization and cultural erasure. Recognizing and celebrating global Indigenous cultures affirms that our struggles and our strengths are connected. We learn from one another’s survival, creativity, and vision for the future.

Indigifest is where those connections take form. Drumbeats carry across the park. The smell of traditional foods blends with the laughter of children. Elders share memories while artists bring new visions to life. It is a day for Native and non-Native people alike to witness, listen, and take part in a celebration that affirms we are still creating, still protecting, and still shaping the world we share.

Come, listen, dance, and share a meal with us. Leave knowing that the story of this land is still being written, and you are part of it.