Advancing Understanding of Indigenous History

October 14, 2024 - (5 min read)

Authored by: Renée M. Chacon, City of Commerce City, CO 

this year, the City of Commerce City, CO, will heighten its acknowledgement of Indigenous Peoples’ Day, which is recognized on the second Monday of October each year across the United States. It has been my distinct pleasure as a council member for the City of Commerce City and a descendant and member of the Diné and Mexica tribes to advance all efforts to build understanding, respect, and awareness. I have made it my mission to ensure the acknowledgement of my ancestors and to uphold the contributions of those who came before me, those who are here now, and those who will continue to lead after I am gone. 

Classo Kamati Ometo, Classo Kamati Atatonati, Classo Kamati Tonantzin Kleli, Abuelitos y Abuelitas, and all the ones that came before, and all the little ones to come. We live in the land of the Ute, the Cheyenne, the Arapaho, the Shoshone, the Kiowa, the Comanche, the Inde, the Dene, the Chicano, and 48 tribes that still live and travel through this space. 

I care about where my ancestors came from because my family has had a presence here since before this was Colorado.  I care about where the next seven generations are going to have their biosphere protected and cleaned. I do the work that I do because I have children in this world. But most importantly, it’s a legacy that I believe all of us should be concerned about leaving for the next seven generations – clean and quality resources, a sustainable economy, a quality healthcare system, and housing.  

Whether protesting in the streets or praying in our traditional way, I want to work to prepare our next seven generations for the future. One way to advance understanding of our Indigenous history is through authentic inclusion. We can practice careful research and consistent use of land acknowledgements. Civic inclusion, civic action and participation at the local level through municipal boards and commissions are key steps to ensuring that our voices, our culture, and our contributions are heard, known and amplified.  

This year, at its October 4 meeting, the City Council of Commerce City officially declared October 14, 2024, as Indigenous Peoples’ Day for the first time in the city’s history. The text of the proclamation follows. I was proud to introduce this action in my city and I invite all my local elected colleagues from around the country to replicate and adopt this important way to acknowledge our collective history:  

WHEREAS, the City of Commerce City recognizes that the Indigenous  People of the lands that would later become known as the Americas have  occupied these lands since time immemorial; and 

WHEREAS, the City recognizes and renounces the tragic historical events in  the United States’ and Colorado’s past and honors Indigenous Peoples history,  sacrifices and rich contributions to our community and nation; and 

WHEREAS, the City of Commerce City is committed to eradicating the  systemic racism towards Indigenous Peoples, which has resulted in chronic cycles  of poverty and economic, health, education, and social disparities; and 

WHEREAS, the City supports the efforts of Indigenous Peoples to continue to  fight for their sovereignty of their land, their right to exist, and their access  opportunities that have long been denied to their ancestors; and   

WHEREAS, the City recognizes that the observance of Indigenous Peoples  Day does not do enough to right the injustices and treatment of Indigenous  People from the founding of the United States to even today as Indigenous People continue to fight against the stealing of Tribal lands, rights to self-governance, and threats to their sacred spaces and clean air and water. 

NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED, that the City of Commerce City,  Colorado, hereby declares October 14, 2024 as INDIGENOUS PEOPLES DAY in  Commerce City and encourages all residents to educate themselves on the rich  history and culture of Indigenous Peoples in Colorado by supporting local authors, filmmakers, poets, and artists; speak with their Indigenous neighbors about their families’ history; uplift the voices of the Indigenous community wherever they exist; and be good stewards of the lands on which we all still occupy. 

CITY OF COMMERCE CITY, COLORADO 

Steve J. Douglas, Mayor 

In addition, several events have been scheduled in and around our community to celebrate this National holiday:  

Sunday, October 13 – Indigenous Peoples Day Celebration – Music, Dance, Tamal Battle, Singing and more

Thursday, October 17 – Wellness Week: Honoring Sacred Plant Medicines

Friday, October 18 – Womxn From the Mountain, Groundwork Denver, and Adams County Health Department: Tamale & Chili Cookoff
- Receive free water filters and food 
- Enjoy entertainment from the Baile Folklorico group, Raizes de Mi Tierra

Again, I invite my local elected colleagues to uplift the Indigenous history of their own communities and highlight the richness represented there. 

Read NLC’s Municipal Action Guide

Civic Engagement
Local Authority & Intergovernmental Relations
Race & Equity

Rebuilding Trust and Repairing Relationships with Indigenous Populations

Get Involved with Local Indigenous Leaders

Local Indigenous Leaders (LIL) is one of NLC’s six Constituency Groups. It serves as a vehicle for members to discuss challenges and explore solutions, debate policy issues and contribute to the success of American cities, towns and villages. 

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