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CU Boulder Indigenous Peoples' Day Events Announced!

The Center for Native American and Indigenous Studies, in close partnership with Leadership Support and Programming, and with generous support from the Environmental Center, presents:

“Still Here: Refusal, Remembrance, and the Future Beyond 150” -- Events Celebrating and Commemorating Indigenous Peoples’ Day 
Monday, Oct. 12 and Wednesday, Oct. 14, 2026
 

This year’s theme critically reflects on 150 years of CU Boulder within the longer arc of Indigenous presence, perseverance, and survival. Learn more on the main Indigenous Peoples’ Day event webpage and download printable flyers on the CNAIS webpage.

 

Monday Event

Moderated Keynote and Luncheon with Zahn McClarnon, Acclaimed Lakota Actor 
Monday, Oct. 12, 11:00am to 1:00pm
UMC Glenn Miller Ballroom

Students, staff, faculty, and members of the Boulder community are invited to participate in a community celebration and observance of Indigenous Peoples Day, featuring guest speaker Zahn McClarnon. McClarnon is an award-winning actor, currently starring in and executive producing AMC’s “Dark Winds.” Clint Carroll, associate professor of ethnic studies and faculty Director of the Center for Native American and Indigenous Studies, will join McClarnon in a moderated discussion.

Lunch will be served. Space will be limited and advance registration is recommended. Please contact lspevents@colorado.edu for questions about the keynote event.

Register for the Monday event here. 

 

Tuesday Event:

The Truth About 250-150 Mobile Exhibit: Uncover Colorado's Untold History
Tuesday, Oct. 13, 10:00 a.m. - 3:00 p.m.
Wardenburg Walkway, North Side of Student Health Center  

 

Wednesday Events

Join us for two panel discussions and a film screening exploring Land Back initiatives across the Américas and Indigenous-led bison restoration across the Great Plains and Rocky Mountain West. Esteemed speakers will highlight shared challenges, cultural significance, Indigenous stewardship, and the ongoing work to reconnect Indigenous communities with their ancestral lands.

Panel Discussions and Luncheon: Land Back, Bison Back
Wednesday, Oct.14, 9:30am to 2:45pm
Center for Global British & Irish Studies (CBIS), Norlin Library, Room M549

Film Screening and Q&A with the Filmmakers
People of the Sacred Land: The Untold History of Colorado
Wednesday, Oct.14, 3:15pm to 4:30 pm
CASE Building, 4th Floor, Chancellor’s Hall

Register for Wednesday’s events here.
Learn more here.

Featured Panelists and Speakers:

  • Helen Augare (Blackfeet Nation), Co-Founder and Director, Native Science Field Center, Blackfeet Community College
  • Luis E. Cárcamo-Huechante (Mapuche), Associate Professor of Native American and Indigenous Studies, University of Texas at Austin
  • Cristina Coc (Q’eqchi Maya), Founder and Program Director, Julian Cho Society
  • Lucille Contreras (Lipan Apache), Founder and CEO, Texas Tribal Buffalo Project
  • Elsie DuBray (Oóhenuŋpa Lakxóta/Mandan/Hidatsa), Buffalo First
  • Kelsey John (Diné), Assistant Professor of Ethnic Studies, CU Boulder 
  • Patricia Limerick, Professor of History and Director of the Applied History Initiative, CU Boulder
  • Libby Lunstrum, Professor of Environmental and Global Studies, Boise State University
  • Vanessa Racehorse (Shoshone-Bannock/Cherokee/Shoshone-Paiute), Associate Professor of Law, Colorado Law
  • James Rattling Leaf, Sr. (Rosebud Sioux), Commiunity Liaison, Environmental Data Science Innovation & Impact Lab, CU Boulder
  • Rick Williams (Oglala Lakota/Northern Cheyenne), President, People of the Sacred Land
 
Thursday Event:

Public Talk: Cheyenne Poet and Educator, Dr. Richard E. Littlebear

Thursday, Oct. 15, 5:30 p.m. - 7:00 p.m.
Chancellor's Auditorium, CASE Building (or via Zoom)
Register here.