Critical Discussion: “The First Peoples of Colorado: Truth, History, and Resilience.”

About this event

As Colorado recognizes its 150th anniversary of statehood, it is important to acknowledge that the history of this land did not begin in 1876. Long before Colorado became a state, these lands were home to Indigenous Nations, including the Southern Ute, Ute Mountain Ute, Arapaho, Cheyenne, and Northern Arapaho peoples, whose histories, cultures, and connections to these lands continue today.

Join MSU Denver's Native American/Alaska Native Programming for Student Success and Engagement (NASSE) for a critical discussion bringing together Native community members and leaders to share their histories, lived experiences, and perspectives that have often been excluded from mainstream historical narratives.

We are honored to welcome three panelists whose work has centered on protecting Indigenous histories, cultural preservation, language, and Tribal sovereignty:

• Cassandra Atencio – Southern Ute tribal leader and former Tribal Historic Preservation Officer for the Southern Ute Indian Tribe.

• Crystal C'Bearing – Enrolled member of the Northern Arapaho Tribe, also Cheyenne River Sioux, and Director of the Northern Arapaho Tribal Historic Preservation Office.

• Fred Mosqueda – Member of Little Raven's Arapaho Band, Arapaho Outreach Specialist, and NAGPRA/Sand Creek Massacre Representative for the Cheyenne and Arapaho Tribes.

Together, these panelists will share their knowledge and perspectives on Indigenous histories, cultural preservation, ancestral connections to these lands, and the importance of ensuring that Native voices are included in how history is told and remembered.

This conversation is an opportunity to challenge historical narratives, engage directly with Indigenous voices, and recognize that Native peoples are not simply part of Colorado's past but remain an important part of its present and future.