Long before the Chicago skyline soared above Lake Michigan, this waterfront region was home to the Ojibwe, Odawa, and Potawatomi Nations. Today, Chicago is still home to a thriving Indigenous community, whose influence continues to shape the city’s culture.
In this article
During Native American Heritage Month and beyond, the city’s Indigenous-owned businesses, restaurants, and cultural centers celebrate creativity, connection, and deeply rooted heritage.
Check out a few of the Native American-owned businesses and cultural institutions throughout Chicagoland.
Indigenous-owned restaurants and small businesses in Chicago
Au Levain
What started as a pop-up has become one of Chicago’s hottest bakeries. In North Center, Au Levain blends the warmth of a neighborhood bakery with impeccable craft — think flaky croissants, rotating specialty pastries, and loaves worth lining up for. They also offer a seasonal cafe menu with wraps, sandwiches, soups, salads, and more.
Willow Room
Tucked inside a historic Lincoln Park building, Willow Room offers an elegant yet lively dining experience. Co-owned by Brian Boehm, a member of the Potawatomi tribe, this neighborhood favorite pairs simple bistro classics with a creative twist. Whether you’re stopping in for a cozy dinner or a cocktail at the lively bar, Willow Room is a celebration of hospitality, great food, and Chicago’s enduring sense of community.
Ketapanen Kitchen
Chef Jessica Walks First (Pamonicutt), a member of the Menominee Tribe of Wisconsin, is on a mission to bring Indigenous cuisine to the forefront of Chicago’s culinary scene. Through her pop-up and catering company, Ketapanen Kitchen, she blends traditional ingredients and stories to create food that nourishes the body and soul.
The name Ketapanen means “love” in the Menominee language — and every dish embodies that spirit. Beyond the kitchen, she’s an educator and advocate for food sovereignty and justice, collaborating with Chicago institutions like the Field Museum, the Goodman Theatre, and the American Indian Center.
Cultural centers dedicated to Native American art and heritage
Center for Native Futures
The city’s first all-Native artist-led arts nonprofit, the Center for Native Futures is dedicated to amplifying Indigenous voices through visual art, storytelling, and innovation. Located in the heart of downtown Chicago, the center’s mission is to nurture Native creativity and imagine thriving futures beyond colonial boundaries. Through a variety of exhibitions and programs, the center invites visitors to experience the depth and dynamism of Native art today.
American Indian Center of Chicago
Founded in 1953, the American Indian Center is one of the oldest urban Native centers in the country. Created to support Native people who relocated to Chicago, the center remains a cornerstone for cultural, educational, and social connections for Chicago’s diverse Native population. Located in the Albany Park neighborhood, the American Indian Center welcomes the public to experience art exhibitions, beading classes, cultural events, and more.
Gichigamiin Indigenous Nations Museum
Located just north of the city, the Gichigamiin Indigenous Nations Museum in Evanston offers an immersive look at Native life past and present. Exhibits integrate first-person perspectives to shine a spotlight on the art, history, and culture of Native American and First Nation peoples from throughout the United States and Canada.
Outside the museum, a stunning youth-designed mural tells the Anishinaabe Creation Story through Woodland-style art. It’s a powerful reflection of how Indigenous storytelling continues to evolve — vibrant, hopeful, and community-centered.
Trickster Cultural Center
In the nearby suburb of Schaumburg, the Trickster Cultural Center has been a hub for Native art, storytelling, and community gathering for the past 20 years. Its mission is to increase visibility for Native traditions, veterans’ contributions, and contemporary cultural arts through exhibits, education, and advocacy. Visitors can experience art exhibits, music performances, and community events that showcase Native creativity in all its forms.
During Native American Heritage Month and beyond, Chicago’s Indigenous-owned businesses offer countless ways to learn, connect, and celebrate. Whether you’re tasting Indigenous-inspired dishes, visiting a new gallery, or attending a community event, each experience honors the vital Indigenous cultures that continue to shape this city.
