Land Recognition / Ancestral Territories

As someone who lives and works on these lands, I recognize that Denver is woven into the ancestral territories of the Tséstho’e (Cheyenne), Očhéthi Šakówiŋ (Sioux), hinono’eino’ biito’owu’ (Arapaho), and Núu-agha-tʉvʉ-pʉ̱ (Ute) peoples. My relationship to this place is tied to my home and business, but also to a responsibility: to reduce harm, honor stewardship practices older than this city, and hold space for both the resilience of Indigenous communities and the injustices they’ve endured. I commit to actions—not just words—that care for these lands and waters, and to inviting others into this ongoing reflection.

1. Indigenous-Led Environmental Initiatives

• Native American Rights Fund (NARF) (Based in Boulder, Colorado): While not solely environmental, they support legal efforts for Indigenous land/water rights—critical to sustainability. Consider amplifying their work or donating.

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• Ute Mountain Ute Tribe’s Environmental Programs: Focuses on water/land conservation in CO. Reach out to ask how businesses can support their efforts (e.g., funding clean energy projects).
   

• Indigenous Greenhouse Project (Denver): A community-led space growing traditional foods/medicines. Volunteer or sponsor plantings to reconnect local ecosystems with Indigenous agricultural practices.

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2. Learning & Advocacy

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Colorado Commission of Indian Affairs: Attend their public meetings to hear directly from tribal leaders about environmental priorities.

Indigenous Land & Water Acknowledgement Guide: Use this in your business communications to educate clients (e.g., adding a line to your website/about section linking to Native-led orgs).

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3. Sustainable Business Partnerships

Native American-owned Green Businesses: Source supplies/services from Indigenous-owned sustainable businesses (e.g., Tanka Fund for regenerative bison products).

Host a Workshop: Collaborate with local Indigenous educators (like RedLine Contemporary Art Center’s Indigenous Arts Program) to teach your network about traditional ecological knowledge.

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A Small, Immediate Action: Start by allocating 1% of your business profits to one of the above initiatives—a tangible step toward reciprocity.

“The land remembers what we forget.” —Ute proverb