First Nations Garden Launches Special Native American Heritage Month Programming in Albany Park

By Socialhood News · Il/Chicago/Albany Park · November 14, 2025

Albany Park's beloved First Nations Garden is celebrating Native American Heritage Month this November with a series of special community events. The 35th annual First Nations Film and Video Festival, which runs from November 5-13, includes free screenings throughout Chicago, while the garden itself hosts free Open Beadwork Classes at the American Indian Center. These weekly workshops welcome everyone—whether you're part of the Native community, an ally, or simply curious about beadwork—with no registration required and all supplies provided.

Located at the corner of Wilson Avenue and Pulaski Road, this unique cultural space serves both as a healing space for Chicago's native community and as a teaching hub for non-native people. Different elements of the garden represent native culture, with traditional structures like the wigwam and tepee hosting activities and storytelling throughout the year. "We want everybody in Chicago to be able to come to this garden and learn about native people, and not just native people but the land that is Chicago," said Janie Pochel, a lead adviser with the Chi-Nations Youth Council. The garden continues to strengthen Albany Park's reputation as one of Chicago's most culturally rich neighborhoods.

Residents interested in participating in upcoming Heritage Month events can follow the First Nations Garden on Instagram @firstnationsgarden for the latest updates. Additionally, Chicago Public Libraries are offering various free activities throughout November, including Native American crafts and Corn Husk Doll workshops at locations citywide.

Sources:
1. https://www.choosechicago.com/blog/free-cheap/10-free-things-to-do-in-chicago/
2. https://news.wttw.com/2019/06/18/new-first-nations-garden-albany-park
3. https://chinations.org/first-nations-garden/