2026 Community Recognition & Celebration

The Chicago American Indian Community Collaborative is happy to announce the 2026 Community Recognition and Celebration. Celebrate the extraordinary individuals, families, and groups who make a real difference in our Native community.

Nominations for the Louis Delgado Volunteer of the Year Awards are now closed. Thank you to everyone who took the time to nominate. Awardees will be honored at CAICC’s Community Recognition and Celebration on Friday, March 27.

Schedule Of Events

March 27, 2026

6:00 – 6:30 PM – Arrival and Networking Activities

Welcome & Song/Prayer

Dinner by Quentin Two-Rivers Catering

7:00–7:15 PM – About CAICC

A year in celebration

7:15 PM – 7:30 PM – Honoring Our Legislators

Volunteer of Year Awards

Honor Songs

Round Dance

7:45 PM – 8:00 PM– Closing

Accessing the Venue

Northwestern University’s Parkes Hall is located at 1870 Sheridan Road Evanston, IL 60208.  The main conference entrance is located on Chicago Avenue, just north of the parking lot.

Parking

There are Northwestern lots located around the building. Parking is free and open to the public all day Saturday. The star on the map below is Parkes Hall. The grey areas on the map indicate parking lots.

Save the Date: March 28, 2026

10th Annual Urban Native Education Conference

This year’s conference invites Native educators, leaders, students, knowledge keepers, and community members to reflect on how borders and binaries shape and often constrain our lands, identities, and education systems, and to imagine futures beyond them.

Rooted in Indigenous knowledge systems and urban Native experiences, the conference creates space to share strategies, stories, and research that support Indigenous education and intergenerational success.

Become a volunteer

Embrace the CAICC experience by volunteering in our Native American community. Dive deep into our rich cultural heritage, contribute to meaningful initiatives, and forge lasting connections with community members. Whether you’re passionate about education, cultural preservation, or community development, your unique skills and perspectives are invaluable.

Join hands with us to create positive change, foster understanding, and leave an indelible impact. Together, we can build bridges, share wisdom, and celebrate the spirit of unity. Come, be a part of something truly special!

Become a sponsor

We’re reaching out with a warm invitation for you to become a cherished sponsor within our Native American community. Your support can help fuel our cultural preservation efforts, educational initiatives, and community development projects. Together, we can weave a brighter future, celebrate our rich traditions, and uplift generations to come.

Let’s join forces and make a meaningful difference, all while fostering a spirit of unity and growth. Ready to embark on this inspiring journey with us? We’d be honored to have you on board!