By Susan Messer

One mission of the American Indian Center of Chicago (AIC) is to perpetuate Indian cultural values. Another is to promote fellowship among Indian people of all Tribes living in metropolitan Chicago and to create bonds of understanding and communication between Indians and non-Indians in this city. The AIC was established in 1953 as the first urban Indian Center in the country to help Native families cope with the transition from reservation to urban life. At that time, federal policies such as termination and the Indian Relocation program of the 1950s brought thousands of American Indians from all over the country to metropolitan Chicago, so having a welcoming organization was crucial.

Since then, among its many other activities, AIC has focused on the arts by offering workshops such as drum making and moccasin making and by housing gallery space dedicated to the promotion and education of Native artists in the city of Chicago.

And now, in partnership the Forest Preserves of Cook County, the AIC will celebrate Native American culture with its 69th annual Powwow. Here’s how this event is described on the AIC website:

Powwow is the time for American Indian people to meet and join together in dancing and singing, while renewing old friendships and making new ones. Additionally, powwows provide opportunities to renew thoughts of the “old ways” and preserve a rich heritage. Finally, powwows offer a chance for friends and families of all cultures to take part in the experience.

The Powwow includes native food, dance competitions, art vendors, and more. It will take place rain or shine in Schiller Woods-East, W. Irving Park Rd, west of N. Cumberland Ave, Chicago (view web map) during these hours:

Friday, Oct. 7, 5-8:30 p.m.
Saturday, Oct. 8, 10 a.m.-8:30 p.m.
Sunday, Oct. 9, 10 a.m.-5 p.m.

Information about registering as a dancer, vendor, attendee, or sponsor is available here: https://aicchicago.org/69th-annual-chicago-powwow/

General admission is $15.00; admission for seniors/children/military is $10.00; and a weekend pass is $35.00. Children under 5 years old can attend for free. All are welcome!