November marks the beginning of many winter events, but it’s also a time to celebrate Native American Heritage Month.
Home to one of the largest Native American populations in the United States, Chicago celebrates the month with a number of events to learn about Native history, sovereignty, and culture. Here are just a few of the upcoming events.
City of Chicago Native American Heritage Month Reception
Mayor Brandon Johnson will host a reception at the Chicago Cultural Center’s Preston Bradley Hall on Nov. 7 from 5:30 to 7:30 p.m. You can get free tickets to the event here.
Field Museum Native American Heritage Month Celebration
Celebrate Native American Heritage Month at the Field Museum. Watch a variety of dance and musical performances, along with a special tasting menu from Chef Walks First (Menominee) and Ketapanen Kitchen, which will be provided complimentary to guests. Waterbird dancers perform Native American songs and dances, including the traditional hoop dance.
The event will be held from 11am to 1pm on November 10th.
chicago history museum
The Chicago Museum of History will be hosting a variety of events for kids on November 11th.
From 10 a.m. to 11:30 a.m., the museum will screen three episodes of the children’s television series “Molly of Denali,” which follows the adventures of an Alaska Native girl. A discussion will be held after the screening.
From 11:30 a.m. to 12:30 p.m., the museum will feature hands-on, guided craft activities.
From 12:30 to 2 p.m., Te-Ata, the true story of Chickasaw woman Mary Thompson Fisher’s journey to become one of the greatest First American performers of all time, will be shown. It will be screened. The event will be followed by a conversation and is open to children ages 10 and up.
Mitchell Museum of the American Indian
Head to Evanston on November 11th to benefit the Mitchell Museum of the American Indian. This year marks the museum’s 46th annual philanthropy, and retired U.S. Navy commander and his NASA astronaut colleague John B. Herrington (Chickasaw Nation) will be the guest of honor. There will be a VIP meet and greet from 5-6 p.m. and a gala ceremony from 6-9 p.m.
chicago public library
The Chicago Public Library is hosting more than 25 events and activities this month. You can view the event schedule here.
The event lineup includes a variety of guest speakers, book discussions for adults, children’s activities, film screenings, and more. These are just some of the notable dates:
- “Indian Horses” (2017) movie screening at West Chicago Avenue store in November from 1 p.m.
- Adult Book Club: “Killers of the Flower Moon” November 15th at 6pm at the Avalon store.
- The Tweens Cooking Club’s Fry Bread class will be held at the Avalon branch on November 25th from 2pm.
- Voices of Justice: 23rd U.S. Poet Laureate Joy Harjo November 29th, 6pm, Harold Washington Library Center.