2024 Conference Land Acknowledgement

The Association for Experiential Education acknowledges that the land we are on for the conference, known as Estes Park, Colorado, has been the traditional homelands of Indigenous peoples since time immemorial. We recognize that all of our programs and events will be situated on the ancestral homelands and traditional territory of the Arapaho, Ute and Cheyenne people. We honor their enduring connection to this region and recognize the rich history and culture they have contributed to the area now known as Estes Park. We honor and respect all the many Indigenous peoples who continue to preserve and protect cultural traditions, maintain ancestral relationships, and serve as stewards of these lands.

As we come together for this conference, let us take responsibility to foster respectful relationships with the land and its original inhabitants from which it was stolen. We commit to learning the truth of the harm that has been done to the Arapaho, Ute and Cheyenne Peoples and commit to repairing harm by taking action that benefits present and future generations of the Arapaho, Ute and Cheyenne Peoples. Thank you for joining us in this acknowledgment, and please explore these resources to learn more, make a donation, and support local Indigenous-owned businesses.

Local Businesses & Events:

• Upcoming Event! January 18 & 19, 2025 Indigenous Vendor Market & Traditional Friendship Powwow | A celebration of Indigenous culture, art, music, language, oral traditions, and much more. First Peoples Festival - Estes Park Events Complex
• Visit Eagle Plume's Trading Post | “Established in 1917, this historic trading post specializes in the art and crafts of the American Indian. Contemporary works in jewelry, textiles, basketry, ceramics, sculpture, and beadwork, as well as historic pieces are available.” Eagle Plume | 9853 CO-7 Allenspark, CO 80510 | 303-747-2861 | Open Daily 10-5 / 12-5 Sundays The Story of Eagle Plume's Trading Post near Estes Park, Colorado - Rocky Mountain Day Hikes

Make a Donation:

• Native American Rights Fund SAFEGUARD NATIVE RIGHTS
• First Nations Development Institute Standard Donation Page | First Nations Development Institute
• First Peoples Fund Ways To Give - First Peoples Fund

Further Reading:

• What stolen lands do you live on? Native-Land.ca
• National Park Service: Tribal Partners - Rocky Mountain
• University of Colorado Boulder Apologies, Land Back, and Reparations | Center for Native American and Indigenous Studies (CNAIS) | University of Colorado Boulder
• High County News Land-grab universities - High Country News
• CPR News More than 150 years after the Sand Creek Massacre, descendants want more authority on the Colorado lands that tribes called home
• Grist How the Indigenous landback movement is poised to change conservation
• Rocky Mountain PBS 'Hughes Land Is It': Land Back movement knocks at CSU's door | Rocky Mountain PBS
• Coloradoan As CSU moves to sell former Hughes land, Indigenous people are asking for the land back

YMCA of the Rockies:

Kristen Spronz (she, her, hers) | kspronz@ymcarockies.org | ymcarockies.org | Diversity, Equity and Inclusion Director

• The Y is working to change all of the culturally appropriated names across our facilities, and are working to provide education about the changes. These educational pieces will explain the former name, why it was changed, and link to current information (Tribal websites/resources) to learn more.
• The Y is working with the Northern and Southern Arapaho to host their annual Language Camp where youth and elders reconnect with their ancestral lands, and elders teach youth their culture, history, language, etc. during a week-long stay at the Y.
• The Y is hoping to collaborate on some bilingual signage on our trails. This would be a project with Arapaho elders and youth, and will highlight native plants in English and Arapaho