The James Welch Native Lit Festival
July 15-18, 2026
The brilliant legacy of Blackfeet author James Welch lives on in this beloved annual celebration of Native literature. This year's festival centers on Jim's profound influence on poetry, bringing together an extraordinary lineup of writers, artists, and thinkers for four days of readings, panels, and conversation. The festival features a panel of two immensely talented ledger artists, John Isaiah Pepion, Evelyn Mikayla Martin, and Terran Last Gun, alongside debut fiction and nonfiction panels showcasing some of the most compelling voices in contemporary Native literature.
Check out the portion of the festival taking place at the Missoula Art Museum on Friday, July 17 and for more information about the festival visit: more information and full schedule here.
Friday, July 17 at Missoula Art Museum
Morning
11 a.m.–12:30 p.m. — Debut Fiction Panel: Jon Hickey, Kyle Edward, and Mariah Rigg
2–3:30 p.m. — Nonfiction Panel: Paul Chaat Smith, Elissa Washuta, and Byron Aspaas
Evening
5:30 p.m. — Introduction by Sterling HolyWhiteMountain
6 p.m. — Poetry reading: Jake Skeets
7:30 p.m. — Public reception at Radius Gallery, with special guest Lois Welch
Free and open to the public.