Native American Heritage Month 2023

The Illinois Department of Commerce and Economic Opportunity (DCEO) is proud to celebrate Native American Heritage Month, in partnership with the Native American Chamber of Commerce of Illinois. We will host an event, amplify Native American business leaders, organizations, and business enterprises throughout the state, and celebrate the Native American community. 

View the Native American Heritage Month proclamation.

Save the date: Native American Resources Event
Tuesday, November 28, 2023

The Native American Chamber of Commerce in collaboration with DCEO will hold an event to share resources with the Native American community. More information coming soon. Questions, contact Diana Alfaro, diana.alfaro@illinois.gov. 

As one of DCEO’s Community Navigators, the Native American Chamber of Commerce of Illinois, provides one-on-one assistance, helps businesses apply for state and other government grant programs, hosts business education events, and more. If you need assistance with your business, please contact the Native American Chamber of Commerce of Illinois to schedule an appointment. You can email them at: andrew@nacc-il.org.

Small Business Development Center (SBDC) – Centers are located across the state that provide business counseling at no cost. They can assist you with business planning, marketing, financial bookkeeping, finding grants, and how to start or grow your business, etc. Here is more info on SBDCs: Illinois Small Business Development Centers (SBDC) - First Stop. To find one near you go to: https://viewer.blipstar.com/blipstar?uid=5161672.

Apex Accelerator (formerly Procurement Technical Assistance Center (PTACs) - Provide assistance to businesses who want to get into the world of government contracting and assist with certifications like getting certified as minority/Native American owned business all at no cost. For more information, please click HERE. To find one near you, please click HERE.

There are various community events celebrating Native American-owned businesses and culture. Below is a list of events to consider supporting the Native American community:

• “Bones of Crows” Opening Program
  The First Nations Film and Video Festival celebrates the works of Native American films that break racial stereotypes and promote awareness of contemporary Native American issues and society.
  November 1, 2023, 7:00 – 10:30 PM
  Facets. 1517 W Fullerton Ave, Chicago 60614
• Team Building Through Stickgame
  Thursday | November 16, 2023 | 12:00 – 1:00 p.m. | Virtual
  Webinar password: ILCMS2023 (45267203 from phones)
  
  Join CMS’ Diversity & Inclusion for a unique and exciting live webinar in honor of Native American Heritage Month. Special guest Robert D. Bailey will present the Native American traditional Stickgame, discuss its cultural significance, and share about how play can strengthen our teams.
• Native American Holiday Market
  November 24 & 25, 2023, 9:00 AM – 5:00 PM
  LaSalle Room at Gateway Convention Center, 1 Gateway Drive, Collinsville, IL, 62234
• Chicago American Indian Community Collaborative
  They have a list of events happening in the community. 

• U.S. Department of the Interior, Indian Affairs
• Chicago Public Library
• The Field Museum
• Southern Illinois University Carbondale
• University of Illinois Urbana-Champaign
• City of Chicago Mayor Reception
• Chicago History Museum

If you want to receive more information on resources for Native American businesses and entrepreneurs, sign up for our newsletter in which we share about current and upcoming grants and loans.

For more information on Native American Heritage Month contact Diana Alfaro at Diana.Alfaro@Illinois.gov or to learn more about ongoing resources and programs for businesses, follow DCEO on social media @IllinoisDCEO.