The Clear Creek County Commission has announced that they will begin the discussion and decision-making process for renaming Mount Evans on March 1, 2022. See meeting details below. The Southern Cheyenne and Arapaho Tribes and The Wilderness Society have submitted a proposal to rename Mount Evans to Mount Blue Sky. Please join us in supporting this proposal!
Why Rename Mount Evans to Mount Blue Sky?
Mount Evans is a stunningly beautiful Colorado landmark that deserves a name that honors its natural and cultural history. The mountain is currently named in honor of John Evans, the former territorial governor of Colorado who authorized the indiscriminate murder of American Indians and was responsible for one of the worst massacres in American history, the Sand Creek Massacre. The Sand Creek Massacre resulted in the deaths of hundreds of Cheyenne and Arapaho people. Evans was roundly condemned, forced to resign in disgrace, and is not deserving of recognition. The Southern Cheyenne and Arapaho Tribes and The Wilderness Society propose to rename Mount Evans as Mount Blue Sky. This name would be significant to both the Arapaho, as they were known as the Blue Sky People, and the Cheyenne, who have an annual ceremony of renewal of life called Blue Sky.
Why the Mestaa’ėhehe Coalition Supports Mount Blue Sky
There are two tribal name proposals on the table: Mount Blue Sky and Mount Cheyenne-Arapaho. After extensive outreach, discussion, and meetings, the coalition has decided to support the Southern Cheyenne and Arapaho Tribes' Mount Blue Sky proposal. We did not make this decision lightly.
There are several reasons why we support the name Mount Blue Sky: 1. The majority of Mestaa’ėhehe Coalition members support the Mount Blue Sky proposal. 2. The Mount Blue Sky proposal has expressed intertribal support. 3. So far, 25 Colorado-based organizations have signed a letter stating their support for the Mount Blue Sky proposal.
The most important part of this effort is removing Evans' name from this mountain. Mount Blue Sky has a vast network of support and is our best chance for renaming Mount Evans. Please join us in supporting Mount Blue Sky!
