Save the dates for the fifth annual First Voices Festival, a multifaceted celebration of Indigenous cultures based in Atlanta, Georgia.
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.
POWWOW
November 21 & 22, 2026 at 1136 Austin Ave. Atlanta, GA
10am – 5pm both days – FREE!
- 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 Danza Azteca Acitlalmichitli
- 2:30pm Flute & Storytelling with William Harjo
- 3pm Exhibition & Intertribal dancing
- 4:45pm Closing and Raffle drawing
- 5pm End of day / Gates Close
- EMCEE – Buffalo Yellowbird (Oglala Lakota)
- 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
November 27, 2026 – Plaza Theatre – 7pm
TICKETS COMING SOON!
A film by Gwendolen Cates – Original soundtrack by Pura Fé
“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.
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. Learn more 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.
