Chicago exists on the ancestral lands of the Council of the Three Fires (the Ojibwe, Odawa, and Potawatomi), as well as the Miami, Ho-Chunk, Menominee, and Illinois nations. Acknowledging this history is a first step; providing material support to these nations and their descendants is a powerful way to practice active solidarity.
Tribal Nations of the Chicago Region
The following nations have deep historical roots in this area. You can support their continued heritage work, language revitalization, and community programs through their foundations and cultural centers.
Citizen Potawatomi Nation
- Historically the primary inhabitants of the Chicago River area.
- Support: Citizen Potawatomi Nation Heritage Center
Miami Tribe of Oklahoma
- Known as the Myaamia, they held a significant presence in the southern Great Lakes and the Chicago portage.
- Support: Myaamia Heritage Foundation
Ho-Chunk Nation
- Their ancestral lands extended through northern Illinois and into Wisconsin.
- Support: Ho-Chunk Nation Museum & Cultural Center
Ojibwe (Chippewa)
- A member of the “Three Fires” confederacy, the Ojibwe were central to the regional trade networks of the Great Lakes.
- Support: Museum of Ojibwa Culture
Odawa (Ottawa)
- Also part of the “Three Fires” confederacy, the Odawa were historically nomadic traders who shaped the culture of the region.
- Support: Little Traverse Bay Bands of Odawa Indians
Local Chicago Native Organizations
Chicago is home to one of the largest Urban Native populations in the United States. These organizations provide direct services, healthcare, and cultural space for Indigenous people currently living in the city.
American Indian Center of Chicago (AIC)
- Founded in 1953, the AIC is the oldest urban Indian center in the country and serves as a vital community hub.
- Support: AIC Chicago Donation Page
American Indian Health Service of Chicago
- This organization provides culturally competent healthcare and wellness services specifically for the Native community in Chicago.
- Support: AIHSC Donation Page
Chi-Nations Youth Council
- A grassroots, youth-led organization focused on environmental justice, cultural education, and creating safe spaces for Native youth.
- Support: Chi-Nations Support
Practice a “Land Tax”
Many individuals and organizations choose to set up a recurring monthly donation, often referred to as a “Land Tax” or “Honor Tax,” to one or more of these groups. This serves as a symbolic and practical acknowledgment of the privilege of living and gathering on Indigenous land.
And The List Goes On!
Please note that the organizations featured here are intended as a starting point and do not constitute an exhaustive list. There are countless other incredible groups doing vital work, and you’re encouraged to explore and seek out additional organizations that align with your specific interests and values. If you feel called to take action, we invite you to get involved in whatever way resonates most with you: whether through advocacy, volunteering, or community support. Follow your heart and find the space where your contribution feels most meaningful.