With Denver’s central location between the desert tribes of the southwest and the plains tribes east of the Rocky Mountains, the metropolitan area has become home to more than 20,000 Native Americans. These descendents of the Cheyenne, Lakota, Kiowa, Navajo, and at least a dozen tribal nations are an integral part of the city’s social and economic life. Despite their diversity, they are a tight-knit group, sharing the same strong commitment to family and cultural survival. Visitors will be treated to special insights and encounters if they take the time to explore a few different locations recommended below, and if they make the effort to introduce themselves to the Native Americans they meet along the way.

The most colorful and inviting place to experience Native American culture in the Mile-High City is at the Denver March Pow Wow. An event that draws thousands of spectators, it features three days of traditional dancing and singing as well as a large marketplace of Native American goods and food. Year-round, visitors can see an excellent array of contemporary and historical Native American art at the Denver Art Museum and an impressive collection of Native American historical objects and displays at the nearby Colorado History Museum. Other Native American art and history exhibits can be found around the city at various art galleries.

To start discovering Denver’s Native American culture, follow the links below or simply scroll down the page.

ONE-DAY TOUR
ARTS AND CULTURE
PERFORMANCES AND CLASSES
EVENTS
SHOPPING
FOOD
RESOURCES
DID YOU KNOW?

ONE-DAY TOUR

Your one-day tour of Denver’s Native American culture begins after breakfast, with museums where visitors can learn about Native American customs and history through historic and contemporary art and cultural objects. Your first stop is the Colorado History Museum, where the Native American exhibits will take you back in time and set the stage for your day to come. You should allow about two hours to experience the various exhibits. (Parking is available.)

When you’re ready for lunch, Ted’s Montana Grill (1404 Larimer St.) offers hearty, western fare—including buffalo, a Native American staple of the past. You can get there by taking the free shuttle along the 16th Street Mall to Larimer Square, then walk a block and a half west to Ted’s. Afterwards, take the same route back toward the History Museum, then keep going passed two more blocks to the Denver Art Museum. It will take you at least an hour and a half to view the Museum’s extensive collection of historic and contemporary Native American art, crafts, and cultural objects. While you’re by the museum, walk next door to the Native American Trading Company, where you can explore a gallery and shop filled with fine arts and jewelry.

Then it’s on to Orr’s Trading Company a few miles south (about ten minutes by car or taxi). At Orr’s, you can shop for handmade Native American crafts and jewelry or pick up your own materials to make an original Native-American-inspired craft.

For a fancy finish to your Native American day, The Fort offers a most unusual meal and a spectacular view. Located in Morrison, CO (a 30 to 45 minute drive from downtown Denver), this unique replica of a western fort offers fine dining with a variety of Western and Native American dishes.

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ARTS AND CULTURE

Buffalo Bill Museum
987 1/2 Lookout Mountain Rd.
Golden, CO 80401
(303)-526-0744
www.buffalobill.org

Established in 1921, the museum’s mission is to preserve and interpret the life, times, and legacy of William F. “Buffalo Bill” Cody. Exhibits are about Buffalo Bill’s life and his Wild West Show, including artifacts from Native Americans who were with the Show, such as Sitting Bull and Short Bull (a leader of the Ghost Dance).

The museum’s 65 acres also include Buffalo Bill’s grave, a large gift shop and cafe, picnic areas, and breathtaking views of the Rocky Mountains and the Great Plains. Native Americans make presentations and performances here during two special annual events: Buffalo Bill’s birthday celebration in February, and Buffalo Bill’s burial commemoration in June.

Buffalo herds at Genesee and Daniels parks
www.buffalobill.org

Buffalo, or the American Bison, have always been an important part of Native American life in the western U.S. They supplied food, shelter, and many other resources, especially for the tribal nations of the Great Plains. The City of Denver has been protecting buffalo herds since the early 1900s. In 1914, the city inaugurated its first game preserve at Genesee Park, just west of Denver on Highway I-70, to assist the federal government in protecting bison and elk from extinction. Originally, seven bison were delivered to the park from the few remaining wild bison in Yellowstone Park. In the 1930s the city started another bison herd at Daniels Park in Douglas County. Approximately 24 adult cows and two bulls are kept in each herd, and the public can freely observe these animals in their natural habitat.

To visit the herds from the Denver area, go west on Interstate 70 to the Genesee Park exit (exit 254). There is a tunnel under the freeway that the animals can go through so they may be on either side of the highway. To go to Daniels Park, take Interstate 25 south to Castle Pines Parkway (exit 188). Follow that road west to Daniels Park Road, then travel north on Daniels Park Road. The Bison may be on either side of the road. The animals can roam freely on large open areas, and may be difficult to see in the summer months. The best time to see them is during daily feeding in the late fall, winter, and early spring.

Colorado History Museum
1300 Broadway
Denver, CO 80203
(303) 866-3682
www.coloradohistory.org

The Colorado History Museum features displays of authentic and replicated historical artifacts from the Native Americans who lived in the state. Special galleries also feature changing exhibitions on life and culture in the American West. Exhibits include “Ancient Voices: Stories of Colorado's Distant Past,” where each gallery showcases the Paleo-Indian, who lived around 8,000 years ago, the Apishapa of southeastern Colorado, and the ancient Puebloans. Visitors are immersed in the day-to-day lives of these first inhabitants through multi-sensory environments, from an evocation of a Puebloan cliff dwelling to a bison kill site on the plains. The exhibit uses images, voices, and music to acquaint visitors with the geography, wildlife, vegetation, and the long human presence of what we now call Colorado. Another favorite exhibit, “Cheyenne Dog Soldiers,” tells the story of an elite corps of Cheyenne warriors and artists told through the events surrounding the Sand Creek Massacre and their later defeat at Summit Springs.

Denver Art Museum
100 W. 14th Ave. Pkwy.
Denver, CO 80204
(720) 865-5000
www.denveratmuseum.org

The Denver Art Museum is unique in the scope and depth of its Native Arts collection. The American Indian collection (19,000-plus objects) represents the artistic works of over 100 tribes across the United States and Canada. The range of Native American art styles is reflected in such diverse objects as Northwest Coast woodcarving, Naskapi painted leather garments, Winnebago twined weaving, Plains Indian beadwork, Navajo textiles, Pueblo pottery, and California basketry. Art Stops, tables with touchable art objects manned by trained interpreters every Saturday, include Navajo textiles and American Indian beadwork. The Native Arts Department periodically brings Native American artists to the museum to speak about their art. The museum also sponsors an annual Friendship Pow Wow each September.

Denver Botanic Gardens
1005 York St.
Denver, CO 80206
(720) 865-3500
www.botanicgardens.org

At the Denver Botanic Gardens, the Sacred Earth garden, inspired by the heritage of the Navajo and Pueblo cultures from the Four Corners area, demonstrates the importance of plants in the lives of American Indians. For centuries, these plants have served as medicines, building materials, dyes, and food, and have played significant roles in the spiritual and ceremonial life of American Indian communities. In the center of the Sacred Earth Garden, a rustic ramada provides a shady spot to learn about the plants, people, and cultures of the Southwest.

Denver Museum of Nature & Science
2001 Colorado Blvd.
Denver, CO 80205
(303) 370-6357
www.dmns.org

Among the Nature & Science Museum's several permanent exhibitions, the North American Indian Cultures Hall explores how basic human needs like shelter, food, clothing, transportation, and tools are satisfied in different ways by different cultures. It includes authentic reconstructed dwellings, such as an Eskimo snow house, a Northwest Coast clan house, a Navajo Hogan, and a Miccosukee chikee. There are crafted weavings, basketry, beadwork, and pottery, as well as videos about the major cultural groups.

Leanin’ Tree, Inc.
6055 Longbow Dr.
Boulder, CO 80301
(800) 777-8716
www.leanintreemuseum.com

Established in 1974, the museum exhibits American Western art, including original paintings and bronze sculptures created since 1955 by Native American and other artists illustrating the history of the American West. The museum employs Native American graphic artists, warehouse workers, printers, etc., and the gift shop carries many items that feature Native American art.

Quetzalli Art Gallery
928 W. 8th Ave.
Denver, CO 80204
(303)573-0414
www.quetzalli.net

This gallery features indigenous Native American art.

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PERFORMANCES AND CLASSES

Denver Singers
Frank Sherwood, Leader
http://denversingers.planetharrison.com

Traditional singing and drumming, available for parties, gatherings and special events.

Escuela Tlatelolco Centro de Estudios
Nita J. Gonzales, M.Ed.
2949 N. Federal Blvd.
Denver, CO 80211
(303) 964-8993
www.escuelatlatelolco.org

Various educational and community activities focused on Hispanic and Native American people. Students are taught cultural expression that empowers each of them through critical and creative thinking.

Four Winds Survival Project
215 West 5th Ave.
Denver, CO 80204
(303) 629-0224
www.russellmeans.com

A church and resource center including activities such as a women’s empowerment circle and Indian ceremony, sewing, weaving, and advocacy projects, located in a historic landmark. Every Sunday starting at 11:00 a.m. people of all Native American Nations are welcomed to take part in Sacred Ceremony. Four Winds warmly welcomes everyone to unite with the People.

Indian Language Classes
Christian Indian Center
501 S. Pearl St.
Denver, CO 80209
(303) 556-2726

Native American Dance Class
SW Improvement Council
1000 S. Lowell Blvd.
Denver, CO 80219
(303) 934-0923
www.swic-denver.org

Thurs. 6-9 p.m.—open to everyone.

The Northern & Southern Plains Indian Dancers and Singers
John Emhoolah
Thornton, CO 80260
(303) 426-8350 or (720) 972-4025

American Indian dance and drum performance group, arts & crafts, feather work, bead work, Indian sign language, and cultural lectures.

Peji Tho Wi (Season of the Grass Turning Green)—Drum and Dance Class
Brentwood United Methodist Church
1899 S. Irving
Denver, CO 80204
(303) 936-2688 or (303) 312-6424
www.brentwoodumc.org

Every 1st, 3rd, and 4th Thursday of each month at 7:00 p.m., this group meets to learn and practice dancing and singing, and to socialize and share ideas about regalia making in preparation for Peji Tho Wi Initiation. The organization formed to teach Native American youths about their culture and roots.

The Raven Dancers
Bear Limvere
Franktown, CO 80116
(303) 648-3414
www.ravendancers.org

Native American storytelling, dance, and music for community performances and group events.

Red Feather Woman
Rose Red Elk
Lafayette, CO
(303) 665-1139
www.redfeatherwoman.com

Lakota and Assiniboine-traditional storyteller and singer.

White Buffalo Council
Ted Roy, President
(303) 722-4392

The White Buffalo Council organizes Native American events and activities around the Front Range.

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EVENTS (arranged by date)

Here is a listing of the major annual events featuring Native American culture in the Denver area. For information on other events such as traveling shows, university lectures, and other activities, check with the organizations and Web sites found under Resources (below).

Denver March Pow Wow—third weekend in March
Denver Coliseum
4600 Humboldt
Denver, CO 80216
(303) 934-8045
www.denvermarchpowwow.org

Denver’s largest Native American event, the Pow Wow includes about 1,000 dancers and about 200 booths selling food, arts, and crafts.

Annual Spring Bear Pow Wow—May
Regis University Field House
3333 Regis Blvd. (50th Ave.)
Denver, CO 80221
(303) 648-3414
www.ravendancers.org/powwow

This indoor pow wow features traditional dancing and music, 20 to 30 vendors of Native American jewelry, art, beadwork, flutes, clothing, etc., and a food booth serving traditional fry bread, Indian tacos, sodas, and more.

Tesoro Foundation Annual Indian Market and
Pow Wow—second weekend in May
The Tesoro Foundation
19192 Highway 8
Morrison, CO 80465
(303) 839-1671
www.tesorofoundation.org

This showcase for Native American artists features a contest for traditional dancing.

Annual Friendship Pow Wow—September
Acoma Plaza and the Denver Art Museum’s C-level
100 West 14th Ave.
Denver, CO 80204
(720) 865-5000
web-mail@denverartmuseum.org

The Friendship Pow Wow offers Native American singing, dancing, games, and art-making activities.

Annual Indigenous Film and Arts Festival—October
Starz FilmCenter, The Tivoli
9th Ave. & Auraria Pkwy
Denver, CO 80204
(303) 595-3456 or 595-FILM
www.denverfilm.org

The Denver Film Society sponsors this festival gathering the best in popular and independent movies that feature indigenous peoples from around the world.

The Fort's Farolito Lighting-November
19192 Highway 8
Morrison, CO 80465
(303) 697-4771
www.thefort.com

The Tesoro Foundation continues it's tradition of lighting farolitos ("little lanterns") to welcome the holiday season and honor members of the community who enlighten the spirits and minds others.

Sand Creek Descendants Memorial events—last weekend in November
Northern Cheyenne Sand Creek Office
Lame Deer, MT 59043
(406) 477-8026
www.sandcreek.org

Memorial speeches, historical presentations, ceremonies, dancing, eating, and a healing run commemorate the tragic Sand Creek Massacre.

Native Holiday Bazaar—December
Christian Indian Center
501 S. Pearl St.
Denver, CO 80209
(303) 733-3693
christian_indian_center@msn.com

This annual Christmas Bazaar features various Native American and craft goods.

American Indian Community Holiday Dinner—December
Denver Indian Center
4407 Morrison St.
Denver, CO 80219
(303) 936-2688
www.denverindiancenter.org

This community dinner is presented by one of the most important centers for helping Denver’s urban Native American community.

Las Posadas Christmas Celebration-December 24
The Fort
19192 Highway 8
Morrison, CO 80465
(303) 697-4771
www.thefort.com

This celebration is a historic tradition. The Posadas celebration commemorates Mary and Joseph's journey from Nazareth to Bethlehem in search of shelter on the night Jesus was born.

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SHOPPING

Antique stores of South Broadway South Broadway’s Antique Row (from approximately 400-1900 South Broadway) has over 400 dealers selling everything from furniture to soda fountains. This is a great spot to find Native American antiques, baskets, rugs, and jewelry. The South Broadway shopping district runs down Broadway south of 6th Avenue, but most antique shops are south of I-25. The pawn stores in this area and around Denver also sell many Native American goods.

Native American Trading Company
1301 Bannock
Denver, CO 80204
(303) 534-0771
www.nativeamericantradingco.com

A gallery of fine Southwest and Native American Art.

Orr’s Trading Company
3422 S. Broadway
Englewood, CO 80113
(303) 722-6466
www.orrs.com

Native American crafts and supplies such as beads, claws, leather, herbs, as well as Native American tapes and CDs, and more.

Red Rocks Trading Post
I-70 exit 259 S., 16351 County Rd. 93
Morrison, CO 80465
(303) 697-8935
www.redrocksonline.com

Located at the base of Red Rocks—the 400-foot-high red sandstone rocks creating a 9,000-seat amphitheater—the trading post carries a selection of American-Indian jewelry and pottery, plus other curios and souvenirs.

Denver’s Outskirts

Eagle Plume’s
9853 Highway 7
Allenspark, CO 80510
(303) 747-2861
www.eagleplume.com

A trading post with fine arts of the American Indian, Eagle Plume's was established in 1917, and was owned and operated by Charles Eagle Plume from 1966 to 1992. In 1993, Ann Strange Owl-Raben took over operation with her daughter, Nico Strange Owl and husband Dayton Raben. Ann and Nico are Northern Cheyenne: Ann comes from a long line of traditional Cheyenne bead workers, while Nico is an appraiser of Native American art and jewelry, both contemporary and historic.

The gallery and shop has a wide selection of arts and crafts including jewelry, ceramics, textiles, basketry, beadwork, sculpture, books, prints, and more. It also houses the Charles Eagle Plume Collection, comprised of thousands of historic and prehistoric Native American art pieces, and features artists, musicians, storytelling, and demonstrations throughout the summer.

Four Winds Trading Company
6355 Joyce Dr.
Arvada, CO 80403
(720) 890-8000
www.fourwinds-trading.com

Four Winds Trading Company sells traditional and contemporary Native American music and books through online and catalog orders.

Spirits in the Wind Gallery
1211 Washington Ave.
Golden, CO 80401
(303) 279-1192 or (877) 844-1609
www.spiritsinthewindgallery.com

Spirits in the Wind Gallery sells a wide variety of Native American arts and crafts, including rugs, runners, jewelry, pottery, and art of all kinds, representing artists from various tribes.

Wings of Eagles
18301 W. Colfax Ave, B105, Heritage Square
Golden, CO 80401
(303) 273-9708 or (800) 806-5836
www.heritagesquare.info/

Wings of Eagles Gallery features artwork from Indian nations throughout the U.S.

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FOOD

The Fort
19192 Highway 8
Morrison, CO 80465
(303) 697-4771
www.thefort.com

A replica of an Old West adobe fort, The Fort claims to sell more buffalo steaks than any other restaurant in the country. Featuring beef, buffalo, elk and other game, their menu offers a selection of old and new foods from the Great West. In addition to fine dining, the restaurant also offers various events, including a Native American art show and pow wow in May and a Spanish Market and 1830s Rendezvous in September. (See Events above.)

The Fort also hosts a historic lecture series on select Sundays, January through September. Recent lectures have included a workshop titled “Cultural Differences and Migration of Native American Tribes” by Esther Luben & Dee Brown; “Saints of the Pueblos” by Dr. Charlie Carrillo; and “From Taos to Trinidad: The Mix of Apache and Spanish Cultures & Land Grants of Northern New Mexico” by Dr. Lorenzo Trujillo and Esther Luben.

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RESOURCES

alterNative Voices
3020 Lowell Blvd.
Denver, CO 80211
(303) 477-8442
www.alterNativeVoices.org

Denver Indian Center
4407 Morrison Rd.
Denver, CO 80219
(303) 936-2688
www.denverindiancenter.org

Rocky Mountain Indian Chamber of Commerce
924 W. Colfax Ave., Suite 104F
Denver, CO 80204
(303) 629-0102
www.rmicc.org

Western American Indian Chamber
1900 Wazee, Suite 100
Denver, CO 80202
(303) 620-9292
www.indiancountry.org

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DID YOU KNOW?

• The Native American population in Colorado increased by 62.78 percent between the 1990 and 2000 census.
• Approximately 21,319 American Indians, from various tribes throughout the United States, are concentrated in urban communities along Colorado’s Front Range.
• As many as 30,000 American Indians live in the Denver metropolitan area.
• Colorado has two reservations in the southwest corner of the state, with a combined Native American population of 3,500.

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