Today

The Kichwa Community of Chicago has made great strides in fortifying our presence in the city of Chicago thanks to the support and leadership of multiple individuals and collaboration of all members. KCC has managed to have Kichwas and their culture be officially recognized by Chicago government officials, cultural institutions, and multiple major organizations. We’d like to highlight a few big achievements in KCC’s short yet impactful existence.

Major KCC Achievements

  • Chicago City Council

    Inti Raymi Day

  • Chicago History Museum

    Aquí en Chicago

Inti Raymi Day

On June 12, 2024 the Mayor Brandon Johnson of the City of Chicago officially declared that June 24th will formally be recognized as Inti Raymi Day in the city of Chicago .

We’d like to thank Alderman Byron Sigcho-Lopez for his support to KCC and all Kichwa people in Chicago as this marks a big step in the preservation and continuation of culture for all Kichwa residents in Chicago.

Aquí en Chicago CHM Primary Coordinator: Gladys de la Torre (Dept. of Education Member)

Gladys has been primary point of contact with CHM and KCC and leading communication and logistics with KCC’s involvement in the Aquí en Chicago project. She has worked with the museum multiple summers in volunteer opportunities that relate to young adult audiences and she is excited to further KCC’s relationship with CHM.

The CHM exhibition will officially open on October 25th, 2025

Aquí en Chicago

The Chicago History Museum is working on a project titled, Aquí en Chicago that focuses on highlighting and sharing the stories of Latin communities in Chicago. KCC has the great honor of taking part of this project and sharing Kichwa culture with the CHM for the broader Chicago population and visitors.

We’d like to thank CHM curator Elena Gonzales for her support in assisting the Kichwa community have a voice in the museum and share our culture.

Exhibition Components

Aya Huma - The importance and significance of the Aya Huma in Kichwa Culture.

Traditional Clothing - The traditional clothing worn by Kichwa women and each pieces importance.

Language and Stories - Stories of Kichwas in their native tongue. The stories touch on topics of Mindalaes and growing up Kichwa.

  • Ayay Huma Presentation

  • Traditional Women's Clothing

  • KCC preparing to record

  • Recording Kichwa language

  • Dressing mannequin in anaco

  • Recording Kichwa language continued