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.

Experience the creativity, style, and storytelling of contemporary Native fashion at the IndigeNash Fashion Showcase. Featuring a live runway show and designer market, this event highlights the artistry and innovation of Indigenous designers shaping the future of fashion while honoring their cultural roots.

This year’s showcase includes collections from Oh Kiyo and Chelsea Leopold, each bringing their own vision, materials, and cultural influences to the runway. From handwoven textiles to modern streetwear inspired by traditional design, their work reflects the depth, diversity, and evolution of Indigenous fashion today.

Guests will have the opportunity to explore the Designer Market, meet the creators, and purchase original pieces that bridge heritage and modern expression.

A vibrant close to the IndigeNash Festival, the Fashion Showcase celebrates Indigenous artistry in motion—where culture, creativity, and identity take center stage.

The IndigeNash Film Showcase brings together a powerful lineup of Indigenous filmmakers and storytellers whose work spans resilience, identity, and the relationships that bind community and land. This year’s program features exclusive screenings, filmmaker Q&As, and discussions that honor both emerging and established Native voices shaping cinema today.

The showcase opens with a special preview of Jordin Tootoo’s acclaimed documentary Tootoo—presented in partnership with the Nashville Predators and Bridgestone Arena—featuring selected scenes and an audience Q&A exploring Tootoo’s journey, advocacy, and the making of the film.

We also have a screening of "Pow!", an animated short film about a young Native American kid trying to charge his video game console at a powwow, written and directed by Joey Clift. Eric Michael Hernandez will present his award-winning short “Courage” plus a live discussion, and filmmaker Loren Waters will share her acclaimed film “Tiger” with an in-person Q&A.

The afternoon culminates with “Native Women in Film”, a headline panel featuring Erica Tremblay (Fancy Dance, Reservation Dogs), Loren Waters (Tiger), and Tafv Sampson (Reservation Dogs). Together, they’ll explore the evolving landscape of Indigenous storytelling and the growing influence of Native women in film and television.

An inspiring celebration of Indigenous cinema, storytelling, and the power of perspective—the IndigeNash Film Showcase highlights the filmmakers reclaiming the narrative and redefining representation on screen.

• 2:00 PM - Doors

• 2:30 PM - Documentary Film Discussion w/ Jordin Tootoo

• 3:40 PM - Pow! Screening

• 4:00 PM - Tiger Screening & talk w/ Director Loren Waters

• Intermission

• 5:30 PM - Courage Screening

• 5:45 PM - Native Women in Film Panel (feat. Erica Tremblay, Tafv Sampson, & Loren Waters & moderated by Jessica McEver)

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 a history and exploration of swing dance, inviting youth and families to learn, dance, and celebrate together.

Open to all ages; refreshments provided.

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.

IndigeNash Music Showcase

• 6:00 PM – Doors Open

• 7:00 – Seryn

• 8:00 – Crystal Shawanda

• 9:10 – Bill Miller

• 10:30 – A Tribe of Horsman

Presented in partnership with the Nashville Predators

This documentary is the raw and honest story of Jordin Tootoo's life and hockey career. From moving away from his hometown to being drafted by the Nashville Predators, his struggle with alcoholism and the loss of his brother from suicide, Jordin and loved ones share about his journey to sobriety and how Jordin's resilience continues to impact the lives of others. Viewer discretion advised - alcohol, language & discussion of suicide. Highly recommended for age 16+ only. 

Tickets & Perks:

• $25.43 — Includes admission plus complimentary soda & popcorn for the movie and a Jordin Tootoo Train Whistle

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

Jordin will be joining us on Sunday during the IndigeNash Film Showcase to discuss the film.

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.

This event is free and open to the public!

Performance & demonstration schedule:

• 11:00 AM – Market Opens

• 11:15 AM – Opening Ceremonies

• 11:40 AM – Songwriter Feature: Larkin

• 12:30 PM – Chocolate History & Demo with Sophia Rea

• 1:30 PM – Youth Flute Activation with Justin Mihtukwsun

• 2:20 PM – Songwriter Feature: Dale Shack

• 3:10 PM – Native Audio Guitar Pedal Demo

• 4:00 PM – Closing Remarks

• 5:00 PM – Market Closes

Laugh, reflect, and connect through Indigenous humor. Join us for a night of stand-up and storytelling with some dynamic voices in comedy. Come engage, unwind, and celebrate the power of Indigenous voices through comedy, connection, and cultural insight.

Our featured guest is Blake Pickens (Chickasaw), an Emmy Award–winning comedian, writer, and filmmaker. A graduate of USC’s Peter Stark Producing Program, Blake began writing satire for The National Lampoon and is a founding member of A Tribe Called Sketch, the first all-Native sketch show on a U.S. Second City stage.

He produced the Sundance-premiering films The Land and Wild Indian, as well as the Emmy-winning P&G commercial The Talk and John Legend’s MTV VMA-winning Surefire. His writing credits include Nickelodeon’s Rugrats reboot and Netflix’s Spirit Rangers. Blake is currently in post-production on The Roof for Disney+/Launchpad and is part of IlluEnd your Friday at The Forge with an evening of sharp wit, storytelling, and Indigenous humor at IndigeNash Comedy Night, featuring two standout voices in contemporary comedy.

Joining him is Eddie Ortiz, a Los Angeles–born, Nashville-based comedian whose wild hair, easy warmth, and “bananas” true-life stories have made him a favorite on stages across the country. His humor is quick, candid, and joyfully unpredictable, offering a fresh and heartfelt perspective on everyday chaos.

Together, they deliver a night of laughter and connection, celebrating Indigenous storytelling through humor in its most vibrant form.miNative’s Producers Program.

Celebrate the visual arts of IndigeNash with an evening reception at The Forge Gallery, featuring new works Native artists Jennifer Gougé, Mac Miller, Benjy Russel, and Chelsea Kaiah. 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.

A dynamic afternoon celebrating Indigenous expression in all its modern forms, IndigeNash Innovators brings together artists, writers, and creators to explore the evolving landscape of Native creativity—honoring tradition while shaping the stories of tomorrow.

The program includes the launch of a new Ojibwe language app and discussion with its creator, Tyler Long, unveiling a tool designed to preserve and share Indigenous languages in the digital age. It also marks the debut of the first edition of the IndigeNash e-zine, featuring stories, interviews, and artwork from Native creatives across disciplines.

Throughout the afternoon, panel discussions will highlight how language, storytelling, and art shape Native identity and community today—including the launch of Nashville Sites’ Indigenous Archaeological Driving Tour with a demo and discussion, and a a few more presentations to be announced soon.

The event culminates in a Writers’ Panel featuring Blake Pickens, contributors from The New Athenian for the IndigeNash e-zine, To the Moon and Back, and Jennifer Gouge, before leading into the evening’s Forge Gallery Exhibition Opening and Reception and IndigeNash Comedy Night.

This gathering honors the past while celebrating the future of Indigenous language, art, and storytelling in Middle Tennessee and beyond.

IndigeNash Innovators Schedule:

3:00 PM - Doors

3:30 PM - Preservation & Technology Panel

5:00 PM - Storytelling & Media Panel

Followed by:

6:00 PM - Group Exhibition Opening, The Forge Gallery

6:30 PM - Gallery Artist Panel

8:00 PM - Comedy Showcase feat. Blake Pickens & Eddie Ortiz

As part of our ongoing commitment to community wellness, IndigeNash presents a hands-on self-defense and grappling seminar led by Deer Lady Defense—an Indigenous-led organization dedicated to building safety, confidence, and connection through movement and empowerment.

Rooted in care, strength, and responsibility, Deer Lady Defense provides practical self-defense, jiu jitsu, and grappling training designed to protect and uplift our communities. This session emphasizes awareness, support, and healing—helping participants reclaim confidence and agency through shared practice.

Nikki SunBear Donoghue will lead this seminar, offering clear, accessible instruction focused on the four core positions in grappling, safe training techniques, and defenses against common real-world threats. Participants will gain essential tools to protect themselves from harassment, bullying, and assault while fostering resilience, connection, and self-assurance that extends far beyond the mats.

Open to all skill levels. Comfortable clothing recommended.

www.DeerLadyDefense.org

Hosted at Patagonia Nashville - free and open to the public. 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 James Beard and Julia Child 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.

6:00 PM - Opening Ceremony

6:30 PM - The Untold Story of Chocolate feat. Sophia Rea

7:10 PM - Intermission with appetizers, drinking chocolate

7:30 PM - Chef Sean Sherman, Co-Author Kate Nelson, and Former Bon Appétit editor Mara Papatheodorou

A Live-Streamed Comedy & Storytelling Panel

Join us for an afternoon of sharp wit, cultural insight, and the kind of laughter that heals. IndigeNash Innovators: Laughter is Medicine brings together an impressive panel of Indigenous creators for a roundtable conversation about humor, identity, and the power of cultural storytelling.

Our panelists include:
Eagle Blackbird, a member of the Ojibwe Anishnaabe tribe, known for using humor and social media to share Indigenous culture and educational storytelling; Blake Pickens, an Emmy-winning comedian and filmmaker from the Chickasaw Nation whose work spans stand-up, sketch, and film; and Eddie Ortiz, a Nashville-based stand-up comedian whose warm presence and true-to-life stories bring fresh energy to the scene.

Together they’ll explore how comedy shapes cultural memory, challenges stereotypes, and fosters community across generations.

Held inside the legendary Sound Stage Studios on historic Music Row, this program adds a new chapter to a place known for shaping American music and culture. We’re excited to bring Indigenous voice, creativity, and humor into this storied space.

Doors open at 12:30 PM and the livestream is expected to run from 1:00 PM - 3:00 PM. A limited in-person audience of approximately 50 seats is available for week pass holders.

Come be part of an afternoon where stories connect, laughter restores, and Indigenous brilliance takes center stage.

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 - free and open to the public. Complimentary water and light snacks provided. IndigeNash rep table on-site for festival info, giveaways, and donations.

Join us for an intimate evening at the IndigeNash VIP Dinner & Artist Talk with our featured artist Jeremy Salazar (Three Feathers Studios), hosted inside the elegant Banker’s Alley Hotel gallery. Enjoy a full-course meal prepared in-house, surrounded by art and conversation that celebrate the festival’s opening night. This exclusive gathering offers a unique opportunity to connect with the creators and collaborators behind IndigeNash in a relaxed, inspiring setting.

Tickets: $60/person

Celebrate the beginning of IndigeNash with an evening of art, culture, and community inside Banker’s Alley Hotel + Galleries. The night opens with a traditional song and dance ceremony, honoring the artists, partners, and communities that make the festival possible. Following the ceremony, guests are invited to a gallery reception featuring Diné artist Jeremy Salazar (Three Feathers Studio).

Raised on the Navajo Reservation without formal art training, Salazar’s creative path has been defined by resilience, authenticity, and a deep connection to community. “We as Native peoples know our own stories best,” he says. “The ones who lived it—the storytellers.”

Through vibrant acrylic portraiture and striking monochromatic photography, Salazar’s work explores Native identity, representation, and belonging. The reception offers an intimate first look at his exhibition and an opportunity to meet the artist.

 Light refreshments will be served as we gather to mark the official start of IndigeNash.

Schedule:

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

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

• 7:30 pm - Gallery closes to public

*VIP Dinner & Artist Talk to follow (separately ticketed)
CLICK HERE TO PURCHASE VIP DINNER & ARTIST DINNER

An intimate evening of storytelling and song, IndigeNash Presents: Songwriter Night brings together a powerful lineup of Indigenous and Nashville-based artists sharing original music and the stories that shaped them. Featuring Calico Ducheneaux (Lakota, Cheyenne River Sioux Tribe), Katelyn Myers (Iowa Tribe of Oklahoma), Emily Justin, and Trenton Wheeler (Amskapi Piikani / Blackfeet), the night highlights the heart of songwriting—where heritage, experience, and emotion meet.

Presented in partnership with the Global Education Center, this special event invites audiences to connect through the universal language of music, celebrating Indigenous voices, identity, and the vibrant storytelling traditions that continue to inspire and unite.