Indigenous peoples are the first Americans. Today, many are citizens of sovereign Tribal nations as well the United States. In Colorado, we occupy the traditional and ancestral homelands of the Arapaho, Cheyenne, and Ute Nations, and acknowledge this with respect.
Individuals choose to identify with their Native heritage differently, whether through their tribe, culture or general terms such as Native or Indigenous.
“Organizations generally use ‘Native’. I prefer to use my Nation: ‘I am a citizen of the Sisseton-Wahpeton Oyate Nation.’ We are sovereign Nations, but have external controls, a complex situation…”
– Rose McGuire, Senior Manager of DPS Native American Culture and Education
Native American Heritage Month, established during the month of November, was formalized in 1990 by the U.S. government to recognize the significant contributions of Native Americans to the establishment and growth of the country. In DPS, we are honoring this cultural moment with celebration of our Native community and through learning. Members of our DPS community are sharing about their culture to celebrate Native American Heritage Month: