Amplifying Indigenous Voices: Working With and For Native Communities
By Stacie Gilmore, Denver City Councilmember (District 11) and HECHO Hispanic Conservation Leadership Council Member.
As a third-generation Coloradan with Northern New Mexico, Hispanic, and Indigenous roots, I have always valued history, both the stories we share and those left untold. When I asked my grandparents about our origins, they would say, “We’ve always been here.” Only later did I fully understand the depth of that statement. My family’s history extends to a time before borders and before Colorado became a state.
This connection to place and history drives my belief that we must acknowledge our past and ensure Indigenous voices are included in decisions shaping our present and future.
When we think about where we are today, we have to start with history. If we are here right now, we are part of the history of this country and the land we are on. It is not always easy to talk about, but we can not have these conversations unless we start with the facts and what really happened.
For me, that is what made it so meaningful when we were able to vote at the end of March to make Indigenous Peoples’ Day a paid city holiday in Denver. It’s been years in the making. It took time to have important conversations with the community, to respect customs, trauma, and resiliency. Taking that time leads to better policy.
This work is not just about a single vote or symbolic action. It opens the door to ask for resources that support housing stability, food security, job training, and other essential services that help American Indian and Indigenous families thrive. These are the kinds of changes that make a difference for generations to come.
We are also working with and listening to community elders, the Cheyenne and Arapahoe Tribes, and federal partners to bring forward the vision for an American Indian Cultural Embassy in Denver. During a visit to the Rocky Mountain Arsenal National Wildlife Refuge, elders looked across the plains at the mountains and told us, “This is the spot. Our ancestors are telling us so.” That moment stayed with me; it is a reminder that this project is about more than a building. It is about telling the true history of this land, honoring those who came before us, and educating future generations.
The work continues, we must keep having the conversations and keep showing up. We must keep making space for Indigenous leadership. When we work together, city leaders, community members, and Tribal nations, we can create a lasting change that respects culture, strengthens families, and connects all of us more deeply to the land we share.
November is Native American Heritage Month, a time to reflect, learn, and act. It is not enough to simply acknowledge history. We must use this moment to amplify Indigenous voices and ensure their leadership is guiding the decisions that shape our future. This is our opportunity to honor the past by building a more just, connected, and resilient future for everyone.