Aurora Public Schools is proud to celebrate
Native American Heritage Month, a time to remember and honor the history, cultures and contributions of the Indigenous peoples of the United States. Specifically in Colorado, we want to express our gratitude to our state’s two federally-recognized tribes, the Southern Ute Tribe and the Ute Mountain Ute Tribe. We also pay tribute to the original inhabitants here: the Apache, Arapaho, Cheyenne, Pueblo, Shoshone and Ute Nations. Other nations, including the Comanche, Kiowa and Navajo, have also historically called parts of Colorado home. Each of these nations has been instrumental in our state and country’s history, and continue to shape our future.
This year’s theme is “Affirming Native Voices: Visibility, Leadership, Service.” This theme serves as a reminder to follow Native Americans’ stewardship of the land, bravery on the battlefield and more. It should also be a rallying cry to elevate Indigenous voices. While we acknowledge the U.S. as the traditional homeland of these nations, we must also be committed to better understanding and deepening our relationship with Native communities.
As APS works to empower the next generation of barrier breakers, let us look to the Native trailblazers of yesterday and today. In 2018, Deb Haaland (Pueblo of Laguna) and Sharice Davids (Ho-Chunk Nation) became the first Native American women elected to Congress. Haaland notched another first in 2021 when she became the first Indigenous Cabinet member in U.S. history, serving as Interior Secretary. Astronaut John Herrington (Chickasaw Nation) became the first Native American to travel to space in 2002. In Colorado, Ben Nighthorse Campbell (Northern Cheyenne Tribe) also achieved two firsts. In 1964, he was the first Native American to compete with the U.S. Olympic judo team. He later served in both houses of Congress and became the first Native American to chair the Senate Indian Affairs Committee.
While we observe Native American Heritage Month and other commemorative days throughout the year, we should also strive to keep involved in supporting our Native communities every day. At Aurora Public Schools, we believe the future belongs to everyone. Let us always carry that spirit of unity with us!