Celebrating & standing in solidarity with Indigenous communities

November 2, 2023

Since 1990, Congress has authorized an annual presidential proclamation that designates the month of November as Native American Heritage Month. It officially recognizes Indigenous peoples as the country’s original inhabitants and for their essential contributions to the United States. November was selected due to its cultural significance as the month when their traditional harvest season ends.

The Blueprint stands in solidarity with Indigenous communities, peoples, and nations. This month and throughout the year, we want to bring attention to the culture, history, traditions, and achievements of the original inhabitants and their descendants of our lands – and their sacred connection to the land and its resources. We also acknowledge the challenges that Indigenous communities continue to face today due to genocide and displacement by colonialism and U.S. public policy.

Here are a few ways that you can celebrate and acknowledge Indigenous communities, peoples, and nations this month:

Find out what native land you live on and learn more about those nations and tribes.
Read the Blueprint’s land acknowledgment, written by a local leader within the American Indian Movement, and learn how you can stand in solidarity with Indigenous communities.
Heed Indigenous wisdom and experience with soil and ecosystem health by learning about and adding more native plants to your area.
Donate time and money to Indigenous-led organizations.
Take a virtual tour of the Denver Art Museum’s Indigenous Arts collection with more than 18,000 pieces from artists representing 250-plus nations.

At the Blueprint, we believe that everyone should have a fair and just opportunity to live the healthiest life possible, no matter who we are, where we live and come from, what language we speak, or how much money we make. And, we remain committed to our values around equity, diversity, inclusion, and belonging – and anticipate a larger focus on them as the Blueprint transforms in 2024.

We’ll continue to work alongside all of you in our network (and anyone else who wants to join) in removing obstacles, increasing access, building community power, and elevating community voice. We’re here to collectively address hunger in Colorado communities and advance an equitable future for all. Find out more about our equity framework.