The fifth annual First Voices Festival is right around the corner! This multifaceted celebration of Indigenous cultures will take place November 20-27, 2026 at three Atlanta venues: 7 Stages, the Little 5 Points Athletic Field, and Plaza Theatre. Mark your calendars, and check back here for more info.
Art of Activism
November 20, 2026 at 7 Stages – 7pm – FREE!
This event features storytelling and music with William Harjo, an honored Muscogee (Creek) elder who has shared stories, music, and his fine flute-crafting techniques nationwide. Singer-songwriter Mitch Walking Elk (Southern Cheyenne & Arapaho) will join Mr. Harjo in conversation and music-making on our main stage for a special connection among elders. Participants will share a meal and vital conversations about the Doctrine of Discovery & the role of Christianity in the colonization of the original people of this land. A pre-show reception in the lobby, provided by food vendor and chef Tina Reyes (Apache) of Rez Juice, brings us authentic sweet and savory Fry Bread and RezBerry Juice made with Indigenous berries from across the Southeast. The mainstage will then be filled with stories and songs, connecting all through art, history, and everyday life.
Plan to arrive a little early, between 6:30-7:00pm, grab some fry bread, and join us in the theatre closer to 7:30pm.
POWWOW
November 21 & 22, 2026 at 1136 Austin Ave. Atlanta, GA
10am – 5pm both days – FREE!
Tatankala “Buffalo” Yellowbird of Zintkala Zi PowWow returns to Little 5 Points with the Fifth Annual First Voices Festival Powwow, featuring intertribal celebrations of culture, dance, song, crafts, food, and pageantry. A member of the Lakota Sioux Nation, Buffalo is well respected in Indigenous communities offering expertise, love, and joy on the mic as the master of ceremonies.
At noon both days, the Grand Entry fills the circle with a company of dancers in full regalia taking audiences and participants on a journey of storytelling and cultural sharing through a variety of traditional dances like the Jingle Dress and Fancy dances. The dancers are surrounded by Indigenous jewelry, arts, and crafts, traditional demonstrations, and food including Fry Bread!
Entry is complimentary, family-friendly, and everyone is welcome!
- 10am Gates Open
- 10:30 Flute & Storytelling with William Harjo, Muscogee (Creek) Elder
- 11:20am Danza Azteca Acitlalmichitli
- Noon Grand Entry
- 12:30pm Exhibition & Intertribal dancing
- 2pm Flute & Storytelling with William Harjo
- 2:30pm Danza Azteca Acitlalmichitli
- 3pm Exhibition & Intertribal dancing
- 4:45pm Closing and Raffle drawing
- 5pm End of day / Gates Close
- EMCEE – Buffalo Yellowbird (Oglala Lakota)
- EMCEE – Shontel McBride (Cherokee)
- Arena Director – Jeremy Jones (EBCI – Eastern Band of Cherokee Indians)
- Host Southern Drum – Southside (various tribal members across the SouthEast)
- Head Lady – Nikki Crisp (EBCI – Eastern Band of Cherokee Indians)
- Head Man – Jeremy Printup (Tuscarora)
- Head Veteran – Paul Wilson (Blackfeet)
- Flute & Storytelling – William Harjo [Muscogee (Creek)] Elder and fine flute maker
- Guest Performers – Danza Azteca Acitlalmichitli
The Doctrine – Film Screening + Q&A
November 27, 2026 – Plaza Theatre – 7pm
A film by Gwendolen Cates – Original soundtrack by Pura Fé
This film follows a group of Indigenous teenagers from Minneapolis/St. Paul who travel to Rome to meet with Vatican officials and advocate for the repudiation of the Doctrine. Also featured are Indigenous activists in Aotearoa New Zealand, Guatemala, New Caledonia, and Puerto Rico. The film exposes how the Doctrine of Discovery has targeted communities of color, was the origin of the transatlantic slave trade, and enables corporate forces driving the climate crisis.
“The Doctrine of Discovery” is the term for 15th-century decrees issued by the Vatican that authorized conquest and colonization, codified racism and slavery, became international law, and were enshrined in U.S. law in 1823.
We are thrilled to welcome musical artist and activist Mitch Walking Elk (Southern Cheyenne and Arapaho) and filmmaker Gwendolen Cates for a post-film discussion about the Doctrine of Discovery & the role of Christianity in the colonization of the original peoples of this land.
Leading a group of Indigenous youth, Mitch traveled to Rome to confront Vatican officials, accompanied by filmmaker Cates. The film follows the journey of Mitch and the youth, and also features Indigenous activists around the world striving to dismantle the Doctrine of Discovery. Mitch and Gwendolen continue their collaboration to bring awareness and vital dialogue about decolonization efforts and our role as caretakers of the earth. Stick around for a moderated discussion on their experiences, current views, and to have your voice heard.
Learn more about the film at thedoctrinemovie.com
Look out for details in the coming months on this page, our newsletter and Instagram.
Learn more about the history of First Voices Festival by clicking here.
