Nearly 75% of America's Native population currently reside in urban settings. In a move to recognize and push the advancement of that demographic, Illinois passed three separate bills this year to protect Native history and culture. But, how do these laws reflect the reality of Chicago's Native population, the third-largest out of all major US cities?

In this episode Looped In: Chicago host Arielle Raveney explores this question through dance by the Black Hawk Performance Company, and a conversation with Marne Smiley from the Chicago American Indian Community Collaborative (CAICC). 

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Mentioned in the Episode: CAICC | American Indian Association of Illinois | Chicago Public Library 

Singing and drumming heard throughout the episode is by the Little Priest Singers. The event was hosted by Dr. Dorene Wiese, President and CEO of the American Indian Association of Illinois. The grass dance history was recounted by Winfield Woundedeye. 

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See Photos of the Dancers Here

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