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A Legacy of Resilience 

As you know, the history of Native peoples in North America carries the profound and often devastating legacy of centuries of colonization. For the Cheyenne and Arapaho, who hold a deep ancestral connection with what became Boulder, Niwot, and surrounding settlements, this history has presented immense challenges to the preservation of their history, culture, and practices. 

Since the tragic Sand Creek Massacre that drove their people out of Colorado, seven generations of Cheyenne and Arapaho have struggled to keep traditions, languages, and ceremonies alive – everything from powwow dances and beadwork to knowledge about sacred plants, and of course, their native languages too. Heartbreakingly, out of 8000 Southern Arapaho alive today, only about a dozen fluent speakers remain – a direct and painful consequence of that legacy of colonization.

Let’s take a moment to reflect on seven generations. This isn’t just about the passage of time, or a simple number. The Seven Generations principle resonates deeply with Native peoples because it embodies a profound philosophy of intergenerational responsibility and stewardship, guiding decisions to consider their impact for descendants they will never meet while honoring the legacy of long-ago and cherished ancestors. This holistic worldview fosters stewardship of land, culture, and community, ensuring long-term well-being and sustainability.

DONATION LINK FOR ARAPAHO YOUTH GATHERING 2026
In the dropdown menu, select Land Group Projects

Or mail a check via Mediators Foundation, our fiscal sponsor:  

Mediators Foundation
2525 Arapahoe Ave, E-4 #509
Boulder CO 80302
(Be sure to write “RRB Land Group” on the memo line)