Join us for the inaugural IndigiPalooza MT: Indigenous Arts & Storytelling Festival—a vibrant, two-day celebration of Indigenous creativity, culture, and community. Centered around the power of story in all its forms, the festival features an inspiring lineup of Indigenous artists, writers, musicians, and makers sharing their work across multiple mediums—from poetry and literature to visual art, traditional foods, and music.

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We are honored to welcome former U.S. Poet Laureate Joy Harjo, the first Native person to hold that post, as our keynote speaker. Throughout the weekend, explore the Indigenous Art Market, attend panel discussions, hear live music, and experience the rich traditions and evolving expressions of Indigenous storytelling.  

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The idea for the festival has its essential origin in the inaugural James Welch Native Lit Festival that happened in Missoula in 2022. That gathering was spectacular and enthusiastically embraced by the wider Missoula community. The success of the event created a demand for more, and we hope that that event will happen again. In the meantime, IndigiPalooza MT – organized by Anna East of Chickadee Community Services, Selya Avila of the Missoula Public Library, and Montana poet laureate Chris La Tray – seeks to fill the gap.

 

Funded largely by the generosity of 500+ small, individual donors, IndigiPalooza MT is a wonderful example of community effort.

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All events are free and open to the public.