Alerts Sign-up
The Chicago Public Library’s Native and Indigenous Allies Committee has announced a series of events to mark Native American Heritage Month in 2025. The theme for this year is “All Together Now,” which focuses on celebrating community among Native and Indigenous peoples.
A range of programs will take place across various library branches throughout November. These include book discussions featuring works such as "The Rediscovery of America" by Ned Blackhawk, "The Only Good Indians" by Stephen Graham Jones, "Poet Warrior" by Joy Harjo, "There There" by Tommy Orange, "Killers of the Flower Moon" by David Grann, and "Ceremony" by Leslie Marmon Silko.
Programs designed for children and families are also scheduled. Activities include clay pinch pot crafts, story time sessions at the Field Museum, performances by Xochilt-Quetzal Danza Azteca honoring Indigenous people from ancient Mexico, and presentations by Chief Eagle, a Lakota artist known for hoop dancing. Several weaving workshops for children ages six and up will be held at multiple library locations.
Film screenings are planned as part of the celebration. Titles such as "Wild Indian," "The Ground Between Us," "Native America," "RUMBLE: The Indians Who Rocked the World," "The Journey of Sacagawea," "We Shall Remain," "Smoke Signals," and "Hunting in Wartime" will be shown on different dates throughout the month at select branches.
In addition to these events, attendees can access resources like printable coloring sheets created by Chicago-based artist David Bernie. Reading lists tailored for children, teens, and adults highlight recommended books about Native American heritage.
The committee emphasized the importance of recognizing Chicago’s location on land that has long been significant to Native peoples. “The City of Chicago is located on the land that is and has long been a center for Native peoples. The area is the traditional homelands of the Anishinaabe, or the Council of the Three Fires: Ojibwe, Odawa, and Potawatomi Nations. Many other Nations consider this area their traditional homeland, including the Myaamia, Ho-Chunk, Menominee, Sac and Fox, Peoria, Kaskaskia, Wea, Kickapoo, and Mascouten. We acknowledge all Native peoples who came before us and who continue to contribute to our city. We are committed to promoting Native cultural heritage.”
“The Chicago Public Library’s Native and Indigenous Allies Committee invites all to learn about and celebrate our Native and Indigenous neighbors in Chicago, the Midwest, and all over,” according to an official statement.
More information about specific events can be found through local library branches or on the library's website.
