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Robinson Atlas of the City of Denver (Plate 01)

Source: Denver Public Library Archives

A portion of West Denver

Source: Denver Public Library Archives

2019 Indigenous STEAM Camp

Source: Gracie RedShirt Tyon

Houses on 9th Street

Source: Suzy Guese

In 1974 the neighborhood and community of Auraria were displaced to make room for economic development. Today, that is where the Auraria campus sits.  Housing three different higher education institutions, University of Colorado Denver, Metropolitan State University of Denver, and Community College of Denver.

Auraria Campus Land Acknowledgement


Acknowledging that we reside in the homelands of Indigenous Peoples is an important step in recognizing the history and the original stewards of these lands. Land acknowledgments must extend far beyond words, the United States has worked hard to erase the narratives of Indigenous Peoples over time. Land acknowledgment statements can help to remind us of the history, the contributions and the sacrifices Native peoples have made. We honor and acknowledge that we are on the traditional territories and ancestral homelands of the Cheyenne, Arapaho, and Ute nations. This area, specifically the confluence of the Platte and Cherry Creek Rivers, was the epicenter for trade, information sharing, planning for the future, community, family and ally building, as well as conducting healing ceremonies for over 45 Indigenous Nations, including the Lakota, Kiowa, Comanche, Apache, Shoshone, Paiute, Zuni, Hopi, among others. We must recognize Indigenous peoples as the original stewards of this land and as these words of acknowledgment are spoken and heard, remember the ties these nations still have to their traditional homelands. Let us acknowledge the painful history of genocide and forced removal from this territory and pay our respect to the diverse Indigenous peoples still connected to this land. Let us also give thanks to all Tribal Nations and the ancestors of this place.
Dodie

Aldora "Dodie" White Eagle

American Indian Student Services
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