The First Voices Festival is returning to Atlanta on Nov. 14–28 with an expanded lineup of programming that celebrates Indigenous communities.
Now in its fourth year, the festival kicks off with “Art of Activism,” an evening of storytelling, music, and traditional foods at 7 Stages in Little Five Points.
The program features a presentation from Muscogee (Creek) Elder William Harjo, as well as a pre-show reception consisting of refreshment offerings like fry bread and lemonade, all provided by chef Tina Reyes (Apache) of Rez Juice.
On Nov. 15–16, the festival will be hosting a two-day outdoor Powwow led by Buffalo Yellowbird of the Oglala Lakota Nation. The free, family-friendly event includes traditional drummers and dancers, a variety of foods (buffalo burgers, roasted corn and more), Indigenous vendors (jewelry, arts and crafts, etc.), demonstrations and storytelling sessions.
On Nov. 21, Out of Hand Theater will present Say Their Names at 7 Stages, a production that weaves together both film and live performances, all of which was written by Marcie Rendon, author and citizen of the White Earth Nation.
Following the show, a community conversation about the lack of media representation for victims in marginalized communities will take place.
The festival will conclude Nov. 28 with a screening of She Cried That Day at Plaza Theatre. The documentary, directed by Amanda Erickson, a San Carlos Apache filmmaker who grew up in Peachtree City, explores the crisis of missing and murdered Indigenous women in New Mexico.
A discussion with Erickson will be occurring right after the screening is concluded.
First Voices Festival launched back in 2022 through a collaboration of Atlanta organizations who aimed to “produce a multifaceted festival celebrating Indigenous cultures,” a concept that they had not seen prior to the event’s inception, said a press release.
Atlantans can RSVP and purchase tickets for the First Voices Festival events on the 7 Stages website.
