IndigiPalooza MT Returns to Missoula Public Library to Celebrate Indigenous Resilience, Creativity and Community

The Missoula Public Library, Chickadee Community Services and community partners will host the second annual IndigiPalooza MT: Indigenous Arts & Storytelling Festival, a vibrant two-day celebration of Indigenous pride and power, on Friday and Saturday, July 31-Aug. 1. 

Centered on the enduring and evolving power of Indigenous storytelling, the festival will bring together an inspiring array of artists, writers, musicians and makers from across Indigenous communities, including keynote speaker Robin Wall Kimmerer, internationally acclaimed author of “Braiding Sweetgrass.”

The festival will open Friday with programming centered on this year's theme, RESISTANCE 250+. Held during the 250th anniversary of the Declaration of Independence, the festival explores the many ways Indigenous peoples have resisted, survived, adapted and thrived for more than 250 years. Through conversations, storytelling and artistic expression, participants are invited to reflect on whose stories are celebrated, whose histories have been overlooked, and how Indigenous communities continue to resist colonialism while sustaining culture, language, land-based knowledge and community. The evening concludes with a performance by Indigenous punk band Dead Pioneers at 8 p.m. at Monk’s Bar. 

Programming will continue Saturday with a full day of presentations, panel discussions, live music, conversations, and an Indigenous art market celebrating Native artists and makers. Festival presenters, artists and cultural leaders will explore topics including food sovereignty, language revitalization, journalism, Indigenous arts and culture, and resilience. The festival will culminate with Kimmerer’s keynote presentation at 7 p.m. at The Wilma.

All events are free and take place at the Missoula Public Library, The Wilma and Monk’s Bar. For the full festival schedule, presenter lineup and venue details, visit ipfestmt.com.

Inspired by the teachings of the Three Sisters (corn, beans and squash), and the values of cooperation, reciprocity and collective care, IndigiPalooza MT brings together artists, writers, musicians, activists, storytellers and community leaders to celebrate Indigenous creativity, resilience and brilliance. Through conversations, presentations, art, music, food and storytelling, attendees will explore both the historic and everyday acts of resistance that continue to strengthen Native communities.

IndigiPalooza MT is a collaborative effort organized by Anna East of Chickadee Community Services, Selya Avila of the Missoula Public Library and former Montana Poet Laureate Chris La Tray. Largely funded through the generosity of hundreds of individual donors, the festival demonstrates the power of community-driven education, cultural celebration and collaboration. Residents interested in supporting the festival can contribute at: https://www.paypal.com/donate/?hosted_button_id=MURTKGYRHL5HW