The 2026 Dancing with the Ancestors Gala will take place on November 7, and it will be bigger than ever! Returning for its second year, the gala— an annual fundraising celebration hosted by Indigenous Education— will bring Indigenous communities together for an evening dedicated to cultural preservation, recognition, and connection.
We spoke to organizers Meredith “She Who Seeks Knowledge” Marshall and Tavis “RedTail Hawk” Sanders before the event to learn more about the evening created for Indigenous people to celebrate their identities and be recognized for their contributions.
“Seeing the pride and joy that came out of that first event inspired us to build on what we started and make this year’s celebration even more special,” Sanders tells BrownStyle Magazine exclusively. Marshall adds, “We deserve to be honored, to feel valued, and to enjoy ourselves.”
Where Culture Meets Celebration
Taking place at Rivers Casino Philadelphia, the gala will be an elegant black-tie experience featuring a red carpet and opportunities for guests to connect through music and dance. This year’s cultural programming will feature performers from the Shinnecock and Wampanoag tribes, along with traditional drum groups including Red Blanket and Young Cedar.
Marshall emphasized that cultural preservation depends on education, sharing, and celebrating the people who carry traditions forward. “We are not relics of the past,” she stressed, noting award recipients representing East Coast Indigenous communities will be recognized for their contributions. “We are here, actively contributing to the cultural fabric of this city, and we deserve to be seen and celebrated.”
Guests can also shop with Indigenous artists and merchants, enjoy teas and mocktails from Rise and Ritual, and participate in the Gardens of the Future Community Dream Altar, an interactive space inviting attendees to share their dreams for their communities.
The evening will feature keynote speaker Monica O. Montgomery of Diaspora DNA, a signing of the Declaration of Interdependence with Jendiyah Hill, and opportunities to join circle and social dances.
Red Carpet Ready: Heritage In Style
Marshall is particularly excited about welcoming BrownStyle Magazine back for the red carpet, encouraging attendees to dress up, express themselves, and enjoy the experience.
The organizers encourage guests to embrace the black-tie theme with gowns, tuxedos, sequins, glitter, and dramatic trains. Traditional cultural attire is also welcome, offering an opportunity to honor ancestors and proudly express personal identity.
Building Connections Beyond The Gala
For Sanders, bringing Indigenous communities together is especially important given the historical forces that have sought to divide them.
“Dancing with the Ancestors offers an opportunity to honor each tribe’s uniqueness while celebrating the strength communities share,” he explains. “Through music, dance, storytelling, and tradition, the gala aims to strengthen relationships across Philadelphia, Delaware, New Jersey, and beyond.”
The celebration is also part of a larger weekend of Indigenous programming for Native American Heritage Month. The Delaware Art Museum will host an Indigenous fashion show on Friday, November 6, followed by the gala on Saturday and a powwow hosted by the Native American House Alliance at Rivers Casino on Sunday, November 8.
Looking ahead, Sanders hopes Dancing with the Ancestors will welcome Indigenous communities from around the world. “Indigenous cultures are international, and there’s so much we can learn from one another,” he shares.
Ultimately, the organizers hope guests leave with pride, inspiration, and a deeper appreciation for Indigenous communities. Get tickets today!
