Situated near the Chicago endpoint of Route 66, Northwestern University Native American and Indigenous Initiatives works to advance Indigenous visibility, academic research and student support within the university community.
ABOUT NORTHWESTERN UNIVERSITY NATIVE AMERICAN AND INDIGENOUS INITIATIVES
The initiative collaborates with faculty, students and tribal partners to promote Indigenous studies, cultural programming and community-based engagement. Programming addresses topics such as tribal sovereignty, federal Indian law, environmental stewardship and Native arts.
Through lectures, cultural events and campus partnerships, the initiative strengthens connections between Indigenous communities and the broader academic environment.
NAISA Spring Pow Wow
The NAISA Spring Pow Wow is one of the signature annual events hosted in partnership with Native student leadership and campus organizations. Held each spring, the pow wow welcomes Native dancers, drum groups, vendors and community members from across the region.
The event typically features:
• Grand Entry processions with dancers in regalia
• Intertribal and contest dancing
• Traditional drum groups
• Native arts and craft vendors
• Food vendors offering Native cuisine
The pow wow serves as both a cultural celebration and an educational opportunity for the broader university and Chicago-area community.
VISITOR INFORMATION
• Student-Led Cultural Events
• NAISA Spring Pow Wow (Annual Event)
• Academic Programming and Research Initiatives
• Accessible University Facilities
Hours of Operation
Typical university administrative office hours:
Monday — 9:00 AM – 5:00 PM
Tuesday — 9:00 AM – 5:00 PM
Wednesday — 9:00 AM – 5:00 PM
Thursday — 9:00 AM – 5:00 PM
Friday — 9:00 AM – 5:00 PM
Saturday — Closed
Sunday — Closed
Hours may vary depending on campus schedules and events.
Admission & Fees
The initiative hosts lectures, cultural programming, educational resources, and community engagement events that are generally open to students, scholars, and the public.
