IndigiPalooza MT 2026: RESISTANCE 250+
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IndigiPalooza MT 2026: RESISTANCE 250+
Fri 7/31/2026 – Sat 8/1/2026
Join us for the second annual IndigiPalooza MT as we explore RESISTANCE 250+—a celebration of the ways Indigenous peoples have resisted, survived, adapted, and thrived for more than 250 years. Taking place during the 250th anniversary of the Declaration of Independence, this year's festival invites participants to consider whose stories are celebrated, whose histories are omitted, and how Indigenous communities continue to resist colonialism while sustaining culture, language, land-based knowledge, and community.
Inspired by the teachings of the Three Sisters—corn, beans, and squash—and the power of cooperation, reciprocity, and collective care, the festival centers Indigenous voices that challenge dominant narratives while celebrating the creativity, resilience, and brilliance of Native peoples. Through conversations, presentations, art, music, food, and storytelling, RESISTANCE 250+ explores both the historic and everyday acts of resistance that allow Indigenous communities to thrive. Featuring special guests Robin Wall Kimmerer, author of Braiding Sweetgrass, and Indigenous punk band Dead Pioneers, IndigiPalooza brings together artists, writers, activists, storytellers, and community leaders for two days of learning, reflection, and celebration. Continue the experience with a special "Plant, Baby, Plant" community event at the Montana Natural History Center on August 2. 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. Funded largely through the generosity of small, individual donors, the festival is a powerful example of community-driven education and cultural celebration. For the full schedule, presenter lineup, and event details, visit https://www.ipfestmt.com/. Events at the library include:
Indigipalooza MT: Speaking Truth About Power featuring Waubgeshig Rice, Nora Mabie, and B. Toastie Oaster
Location: Cooper Room A/B
Fri 7/31/2026 5:00-7:00 PM
Reporting the true and nuanced stories from Indian Country requires particular dedication, whether through traditional journalism, podcasts, or various other forms of media. All share one thing in common: the power to convey the experiences of people actually living them. As the opening event for Resistance 250+, these reporters will share the specific challenges in sharing Native stories, and why it's more important now than ever.
Indigenous Wellness, Indigenous Joy
Featuring: Giizh Agaton Howes, Michelle Mitchell, and Skye McGinty
Location: Cooper Room A/B
9:30-10:45 AM
Since Time Immemorial Native people have enjoyed a healthy and joyous existence, through lives deeply connected to the Land and to each other. Today is no different and these panelists will be happy to demonstrate through their stories and their dedication to upholding these traditions.
A Recipe for Resistance with Claudia Serrato
Location: Demonstration Kitchen
11:15 AM-12:30 PM
For Dr. Claudia Serrato, food is not only nourishment but ceremony and remembrance, a way flavors connect generations across time and space ... something she will demonstrate from the wonderful library kitchen.
Nobody's Victims: Matri-Leadership and MMIP
Featuring: Chyana Marie Sage, Haley Omeasoo, and Jen Murphy
Location: Cooper Room A/B
11:15 AM-12:30 PM
Nowhere is the horror of the ongoing narrative of settler colonialism more apparent than in the largely unreported story of Missing and Murdered Indigenous People. This is changing, however, and largely through the efforts of Native women exerting sovereignty over their own stories and their own existence. Specifically, young women rising up in defense of themselves and their communities through inspiring and exciting ways.
Survival and Sovereignty through Ancient Relationships
Featuring: Jill Falcon Ramaker, Claudia Serrato, and Jason Baldes
Location: Cooper Room A/B
2:00-3:15 PM
Traditional Ecological Knowledge. Food Sovereignty. Bison Restoration. Too often these important undertakings are reported separately by media largely ignorant of the deep reciprocity of the inherent relationships connecting them. Meanwhile Native scientists and educators go on about the business of doing what Native people have always done: restoring and maintaining relationships essential to our survival.
Learning to Be: Indigenous Ways of Knowing
Featuring: Waubgeshig Rice, Jordann Lankford, Ernestine Hayes, Jason Cummins, and James Vukelich Kaagegaabaw
Location: Cooper Room A/B
3:45-5:00 PM
Indigenous approaches to education have for millennia been rooted in experience, ceremony, relationship, and love. Western-style schools could not diverge more, with their emphasis on individualism, competition, and division. Moreover, cultural reclamation and language reconnection serve as ties to community that transcend educational structures. How do efforts to not so much restore, but return to, these teachings unfold in the modern world? Well, in many ways, from many talented people dedicated to the work ... like these five people.
Fri 7/31/2026 – Sat 8/1/2026
Join us for the second annual IndigiPalooza MT as we explore RESISTANCE 250+—a celebration of the ways Indigenous peoples have resisted, survived, adapted, and thrived for more than 250 years. Taking place during the 250th anniversary of the Declaration of Independence, this year's festival invites participants to consider whose stories are celebrated, whose histories are omitted, and how Indigenous communities continue to resist colonialism while sustaining culture, language, land-based knowledge, and community.
Inspired by the teachings of the Three Sisters—corn, beans, and squash—and the power of cooperation, reciprocity, and collective care, the festival centers Indigenous voices that challenge dominant narratives while celebrating the creativity, resilience, and brilliance of Native peoples. Through conversations, presentations, art, music, food, and storytelling, RESISTANCE 250+ explores both the historic and everyday acts of resistance that allow Indigenous communities to thrive. Featuring special guests Robin Wall Kimmerer, author of Braiding Sweetgrass, and Indigenous punk band Dead Pioneers, IndigiPalooza brings together artists, writers, activists, storytellers, and community leaders for two days of learning, reflection, and celebration. Continue the experience with a special "Plant, Baby, Plant" community event at the Montana Natural History Center on August 2. 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. Funded largely through the generosity of small, individual donors, the festival is a powerful example of community-driven education and cultural celebration. For the full schedule, presenter lineup, and event details, visit https://www.ipfestmt.com/. Events at the library include:
Indigipalooza MT: Speaking Truth About Power featuring Waubgeshig Rice, Nora Mabie, and B. Toastie Oaster
Location: Cooper Room A/B
Fri 7/31/2026 5:00-7:00 PM
Reporting the true and nuanced stories from Indian Country requires particular dedication, whether through traditional journalism, podcasts, or various other forms of media. All share one thing in common: the power to convey the experiences of people actually living them. As the opening event for Resistance 250+, these reporters will share the specific challenges in sharing Native stories, and why it's more important now than ever.
Indigenous Wellness, Indigenous Joy
Featuring: Giizh Agaton Howes, Michelle Mitchell, and Skye McGinty
Location: Cooper Room A/B
9:30-10:45 AM
Since Time Immemorial Native people have enjoyed a healthy and joyous existence, through lives deeply connected to the Land and to each other. Today is no different and these panelists will be happy to demonstrate through their stories and their dedication to upholding these traditions.
A Recipe for Resistance with Claudia Serrato
Location: Demonstration Kitchen
11:15 AM-12:30 PM
For Dr. Claudia Serrato, food is not only nourishment but ceremony and remembrance, a way flavors connect generations across time and space ... something she will demonstrate from the wonderful library kitchen.
Nobody's Victims: Matri-Leadership and MMIP
Featuring: Chyana Marie Sage, Haley Omeasoo, and Jen Murphy
Location: Cooper Room A/B
11:15 AM-12:30 PM
Nowhere is the horror of the ongoing narrative of settler colonialism more apparent than in the largely unreported story of Missing and Murdered Indigenous People. This is changing, however, and largely through the efforts of Native women exerting sovereignty over their own stories and their own existence. Specifically, young women rising up in defense of themselves and their communities through inspiring and exciting ways.
Survival and Sovereignty through Ancient Relationships
Featuring: Jill Falcon Ramaker, Claudia Serrato, and Jason Baldes
Location: Cooper Room A/B
2:00-3:15 PM
Traditional Ecological Knowledge. Food Sovereignty. Bison Restoration. Too often these important undertakings are reported separately by media largely ignorant of the deep reciprocity of the inherent relationships connecting them. Meanwhile Native scientists and educators go on about the business of doing what Native people have always done: restoring and maintaining relationships essential to our survival.
Learning to Be: Indigenous Ways of Knowing
Featuring: Waubgeshig Rice, Jordann Lankford, Ernestine Hayes, Jason Cummins, and James Vukelich Kaagegaabaw
Location: Cooper Room A/B
3:45-5:00 PM
Indigenous approaches to education have for millennia been rooted in experience, ceremony, relationship, and love. Western-style schools could not diverge more, with their emphasis on individualism, competition, and division. Moreover, cultural reclamation and language reconnection serve as ties to community that transcend educational structures. How do efforts to not so much restore, but return to, these teachings unfold in the modern world? Well, in many ways, from many talented people dedicated to the work ... like these five people.
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Where is it happening?
Missoula Public Library, 455 East Main Street,Missoula, Montana, United States
Event Location & Nearby Stays:
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Host or PublisherMissoula Public Library
