Experience a dynamic event lineup that celebrates Indigenous culture, creativity, and knowledge this summer at IndigenousWays 2025 in Santa Fe, New Mexico. Through film, storytelling, live performances, and community gatherings, this year’s events offer opportunities to engage with Indigenous perspectives.
IndigenousWays 2025 Events
Check out the summer 2025 event schedule and mark your calendars for incredible Indigenous art, film, music, and discussions.
IndigenousWays Film Festival
Dates: May 2 – 4, 2025
Location: Institute of American Indian Arts, Santa Fe
The inaugural IndigenousWays Film Festival is a groundbreaking free celebration showcasing Native and Indigenous filmmakers, with a special emphasis on Indigenous women, student filmmakers, and Deaf artists.
Guided by this year’s theme — “K’éh (Diné), Whānau (Māori), ʻAiga (Samoan), Family” — the festival highlights films that reflect the deep connections between people, culture, and land. Attendees will enjoy a powerful selection of:
- Documentaries
- Short films
- Feature-length movies
- Animated works
Additional highlights include:
- Panel discussions including Deaf perspectives and Indigenous women film creatives
- Professional workshops
- Renowned guests include Jesse Short Bull, Jhane Myers, DezBaa’, Ramona Emerson, Gary Medina Cook, and Amber Morning Star Byars
- Student short showcasing
- Networking opportunities for emerging Indigenous filmmakers
IndigenousWays Wisdom Circle
Enjoy monthly online sessions throughout the year and in-person gatherings starting in August 2025 through the IndigenousWays Wisdom Circle portal. These welcoming events offer a space for connection, storytelling, and shared wisdom with Indigenous elders, artists, musicians, and knowledge keepers.
Location: Vital Spaces Theater, Santa Fe, and online
Online Gatherings: Every third Wednesday, 6 – 7 p.m.
Special In-Person Event: August 13, 2025, 5:30 – 8 p.m.
The Wisdom Circle offers cultural engagement and exchange. “Our vision is to create a space for connection and reflection,” says IndigenousWays Artistic Director Tash Terry.
Share storytelling and knowledge with respected Indigenous elders, artists, and community leaders at The Wisdom Circle and connect with communities online before transitioning to enriching in-person events in August.
IndigenousWays Festival
Dates and Times:
- August 15, 2025: 5 – 10 p.m. (Presented with Lensic360)
- September 27, 2025: 11 a.m. – 8 p.m.
- September 28, 2025: 11 a.m. – 4 p.m.
Location: Railyard Park, Santa Fe
Celebrate the spectrum of Indigenous creativity at the IndigenousWays Festival, a two-part cultural extravaganza. This year’s theme, “K’éh (Diné), Whānau (Māori), ʻAiga (Samoan), Family,” honors the deep connections that bind people, culture, and land. Festival highlights include:
- Live musical performances and teachings by Robert Mirabal, G Precious, James WoodenLegs, and more.
- Diverse cultural showcases, including artisan booths, traditional crafts, storytelling, and interactive workshops.
- Community-driven experiences such as talking circles, art therapy, ASL and ISL instruction, traditional Navajo weaving, and more.
The festival begins August 15 with an evening concert at the Railyard’s Water Tower, presented in partnership with Lensic360. This electrifying event sets the stage for a weekend of immersive, family-friendly events at Railyard Park on September 27 and 28.
With ASL interpretation, wheelchair accessibility, and multilingual spaces, IndigenousWays Festival is welcoming to all. Supported by key partnerships, including the Institute of American Indian Arts Performing Arts Program, the New Mexico School for the Deaf, and more, this festival bridges traditional and contemporary expressions of Indigenous culture.
Why Attend IndigenousWays 2025?
- Authentic Indigenous storytelling
- Multiple Artistic expressions
- Community-centered experiences
- Support for Indigenous creators
- Educational and inspirational programming
Visit IndigenousWays 2025 in Santa Fe for an inspiring series of events that honor, elevate, and celebrate Indigenous voices, stories, and timeless traditions.
Stay updated at IndigenousWays.org.
Images by Mariano Frisoli.
This article was posted by Jess
