The Kenaanee Native Arts Festival from 11 a.m. to 5 p.m., September 14, at the Lewis Ginter Botanical Garden will celebrate Indigenous friendship and culture. More than a festival, this is an opportunity to honor Indigenous resilience and foster cultural understanding. Visitors will be immersed in experiences that connect the past, present and future through the wisdom and creativity of native traditions, in collaboration with the Virginia Native Arts Alliance. The festival is rooted in the Powhatan Algonquin word kenaanee, meaning friendship.

Highlights include native arts, storytelling and traditions in a family-friendly environment; short films by Indigenous creators; a live Shinny game—a traditional sport similar to field hockey; music; crafts; storytelling; and seed-saving demonstrations. An arts market will offer handmade works that reflect cultural heritage and contemporary expression. Native food trucks and community partners will be sharing authentic flavors, stories and opportunities for learning and conversation.