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ICYMI: Tribal representatives traveled to Denver to share their histories
Denver Community Planning and Development and Landmark Preservation were honored to host seven Tribes October 6-8 to collaborate on Denver’s American Indian and Indigenous Peoples historic context study. With a focus on building collaborative and positive relationships between Tribes and the City and County of Denver, many stories were shared about the ancestral land we now call Denver.
“This is the beginning of a new dialogue and new opportunities for our Tribal communities, the City of Denver, its elected officials, and community members to foster an ongoing relationship,” said Ute Mountain Ute Tribal Councilman Selwyn Whiteskunk. “It has been very eye-opening to have this honest dialogue.”
Throughout the weekend city leaders listened as Tribal representatives talked about land that was and still is a very special and sacred place for many Tribes. Conversations focused on the importance of understanding the past and continuing to tell the stories of Indigenous communities so everyone, especially young children, can know them. Ultimately, the goal of this dialogue, for everyone involved, is to bring forth unity and come back together.
“We gathered in Denver to talk about our Mother Earth,” said Rosebud Sioux Tribal Historic Preservation Office Elder Advisory Committee Member Duane Hollow Horn Bear. “Over the weekend we chose our words carefully to help us find common ground, respect for each other, and respect for our Mother Earth.”
Tribal representatives in attendance:
- Frank Medicinewater, Cheyenne and Arapaho Tribes of Oklahoma Language and Culture Department Resources Specialist
- Ben Ridgely, Northern Arapaho Tribal Historic Preservation Office Director
- William Walksalong, Senior Advisor to the Northern Cheyenne Tribal President
- Conrad Fisher, Northern Cheyenne Tribal Consultant, Chair of Montana Burial Preservation Board, and Board member of Sand Creek Massacre Foundation
- Duane Hollow Horn Bear, Rosebud Sioux Tribal Historic Preservation Office Elder Advisory Committee Member
- Crystal Rizzo, Southern Ute Indian Tribe Cultural Preservation Department Director
- Selwyn Whiteskunk, Ute Mountain Ute Tribal Councilman
- Jacob Tsotigh, Kiowa Tribe Vice Chairman
View the Tribal Nations gathering photo gallery >>
In partnership with Native communities, Denver Landmark Preservation and the Office of Storytelling will develop a written study and documentary to honor and share the history of American Indian, Native American, and Indigenous Peoples in Denver. This work will guide future efforts to ensure more inclusive historic preservation practices in Denver and will also help shape future land use planning and policy, based on a deeper understanding of our diverse local cultures.
Learn more about this project by visiting the project webpage.
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