IndigeNash opens with an evening of art, culture, and connection inside the beautiful Banker’s Alley Galleries. The night begins with a ceremonial performance featuring traditional song and dance (artists TBA), followed by an artist reception with Diné painter Jeremy Salazar (Three Feathers Studio). Guests will experience a vibrant celebration of Indigenous creativity in an intimate gallery setting. A separately ticketed VIP Dinner & Artist will conclude the evening.

Schedule:

• 5:00 pm – Opening Ceremony & Traditional Performances (Artists TBA)

• 5:30 pm – Jeremy Salazar Artist Reception (Three Feathers Studio)

• 8:00 pm – VIP Dinner (separate cost; limited seating)

Join Justin Mihtukwsun and Trevor Smith for a guided morning of mindfulness, featuring Woodlands flute, sound bath, and harmonic extensions. Guests are invited to bring a mat or towel and settle in by the window for a restorative start to the festival day.

Hosted at Patagonia Nashville. Complimentary water and light snacks provided. IndigeNash rep table on-site for festival info, giveaways, and donations.

A layered exploration of Indigenous foodways and the intertwined stories of land, culture, and cuisine. The evening begins with a brief opening ceremony, then moves through a tasting-led talk by chocolate historian Sophia Rea, followed by a panel conversation with award-winning Oglala Lakota chef Sean Sherman and co-author Kate Nelson, moderated by Mara Papatheodorou, former Bon Appétit editor and food historian. Together, they explore themes from the new book Turtle Island: Foods and Traditions of the Indigenous Peoples of North America—unpacking ancestral recipes, historical food systems, and living traditions that continue to shape Indigenous resilience across the continent.

Join Jared Velarde for a hands-on presentation exploring Indigenous perspectives on wilderness training and outdoor readiness. This interactive session blends practical survival techniques with ecological awareness and cultural respect for the natural world.

Includes Q&A, light snacks, and beverages.

A dynamic afternoon celebrating Indigenous expression in all its modern forms. IndigeNash Voices: Language, Art & Identity brings together artists, writers, and innovators to share the evolving landscape of Native creativity. The program will feature the launch of a new Ojibwe language app and a conversation with its creator, Tyler Long, unveiling a tool designed to preserve and share Indigenous languages in the digital age.

The event also marks the debut of the first edition of the IndigeNash e-zine, spotlighting stories, interviews, and artwork from Native creatives across disciplines. Panel discussions throughout the afternoon will feature artists, writers, and culture bearers exploring how language, storytelling, and art continue to shape Native identity and community today.

Celebrate the visual arts of IndigeNash with an evening reception at The Forge Gallery, featuring new works by five Native artists (to be announced). This opening highlights the diversity and depth of contemporary Indigenous art—ranging from painting and photography to mixed media and sculpture. Guests are invited to meet the artists, explore the gallery exhibition, and enjoy light refreshments in a welcoming creative space.

Laugh, reflect, and connect through Indigenous humor. Join us for a night of stand-up and storytelling with two dynamic voices in Native comedy:

• Blake Pickens is an Emmy Award–winning Chickasaw comedian, filmmaker, and writer. He co-created A Tribe Called Sketch (the first all-Native sketch show on a US Second City stage), and has produced acclaimed film, commercial, and television work rooted in Indigenous perspectives.

• Eagle Blackbird is a storyteller and Indigenous content creator whose performance style blends humor, cultural reflection, and truth-telling. He uses laughter as a way to heal, provoke thought, and uplift community voices.

Come engage, unwind, and celebrate the power of Indigenous voices through comedy, connection, and cultural insight.

A moving, modern Indigenous story starring Lily Gladstone, Fancy Dance follows Jax and her niece Roki on a journey across the Seneca–Cayuga reservation after Roki’s mother disappears—braiding family, resilience, and the realities of the MMIP crisis into a gripping road drama. After the screening, join a Q&A with director Erica Tremblay (Seneca-Cayuga Nation).

Experience the creativity and craftsmanship of Indigenous artists from across the region at the IndigeNash Artisan Market, hosted at the Frist Art Museum. Featuring over a dozen Native makers, the market showcases jewelry, beadwork, textiles, pottery, prints, and contemporary designs that celebrate both tradition and innovation.

Throughout the day, guests can enjoy Cultural Activations, Artisan Demonstrations, and live music features, offering an immersive look into the artistry and stories behind each work. This vibrant marketplace invites visitors to connect directly with the artists, learn about their creative processes, and take home authentic, handcrafted pieces that reflect the depth and diversity of Indigenous culture.

• 11:00 AM – Opening Ceremony & Market Opens

• 11:30 AM – Justin Mihtukwsun - Woodlands Style Flute

• 12:15 PM – Artist Demo #1

• 1:00 PM – Music Feature: Dale Shackleford

• 2:00 PM – Youth Demo #2

• 2:45 PM – Artist Demo: Native Audio

• 3:30 PM – Music Feature: Skylar Larkin

• 4:30 PM – Closing Ceremony

• 5:00 PM – Market Closes

Presented in partnership with the Nashville Predators

Join IndigeNash and the Nashville Predators for a special screening of Tootoo, the full-length documentary that follows Jordin Tootoo’s remarkable life journey. From growing up in Nunavut, navigating the challenges of trauma and addiction, to becoming the first Inuk player in the NHL, this film offers an unflinching look at his resilience and commitment to healing and community. The documentary also delves into his advocacy for mental health and Indigenous wellness, positioning him as a powerful voice beyond the ice.

Tickets & Perks:

• $22 — Includes admission plus complimentary popcorn

• $55 — Admission plus VIP Meet & Greet with Jordin Tootoo

Experience an evening of inspiration, dialogue, and connection through this moving story of perseverance, culture, and redemption.

Experience a powerhouse night of music that bridges tradition, storytelling, and modern sound. The IndigeNash Music Showcase brings together acclaimed Indigenous and Nashville-based artists for an unforgettable evening of live performance and cultural celebration.

The lineup features:

• Bill Miller — Three-time GRAMMY-winning singer-songwriter and flutist whose soulful blend of folk, rock, and Native roots has inspired audiences worldwide.

• Crystal Shawanda — Juno Award-winning country and blues artist and CCMA Female Artist of the Year nominee, known for her powerhouse vocals and heartfelt storytelling.

• Seryn — Paste Magazine’s #1 Artist to See at SXSW, known for their lush harmonies, layered instrumentation, and a cinematic blend of folk and rock, Seryn creates music that is both intimate and expansive.

• A Tribe of Horsman — A Nashville-based rock outfit delivering psych-tinged blues and thunderous energy, praised for their electric live performances and 2022 debut album On the Way.

An evening of rhythm, roots, and resonance—IndigeNash at The Basement showcases the depth and vitality of contemporary Indigenous music.

Experience the joy of movement through a fusion of traditional and contemporary styles. Co-led by Krysten Larsen and Mac Miller, this participatory session weaves Pow Wow step with elements of swing dance, inviting youth and families to learn, dance, and celebrate together.

Open to all ages; refreshments provided.

Close out the festival in good company at the IndigeNash After Party — a relaxed evening for artists, guests, and friends of the festival to unwind, connect, and celebrate the week’s events. Enjoy laid-back music, conversation, and community as we gather one last time to reflect, share stories, and look ahead to what’s next. Casual vibes, open hearts, and good company guaranteed.