~ As the sun began to rise over Pikes Peak - America's Mountain on Monday, Oct. 14, a special event was held to celebrate Indigenous Peoples' Day. The community was invited to join in this unique sunrise ceremony, which featured a blessing led by Tribal Nation Elders.

The Gateway opened at 5:30 a.m., with the last entry for the event at 6:30 a.m. Those wishing to attend had to secure a timed entry permit and pay admission fees in advance, either online or at the gate. However, tribal nations members were granted free admission. During this time frame, access to the North Slope Recreation Area was not available due to weather conditions.

Skyler Rorabaugh, manager of Pikes Peak - America's Mountain, expressed his honor in hosting such an extraordinary experience. He emphasized the importance of coming together to celebrate the heritage and contributions of Indigenous communities. Rorabaugh also acknowledged that Pikes Peak is not only a breathtaking natural landmark but also a sacred site for many Indigenous tribes who have deep connections to this land.

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It is estimated that at least 48 federally recognized tribes have strong ties to the Colorado landscape and continue to nurture their relationships with this land. These tribes include Southern Ute Indian Tribe, Ute Mountain Ute Indian Tribe, Ute Indian Tribe of the Uintah and Ouray Reservation, Jicarilla Apache Nation, Comanche Nation, Pawnee Nation, Kiowa Tribe, Northern Arapaho Tribe, Northern Cheyenne Tribe, and Cheyenne and Arapaho Tribes. The event aimed to recognize and honor these indigenous peoples as the original inhabitants and caretakers of this land while also acknowledging their present and future connections to it.

The sunrise ceremony on Pikes Peak served as a reminder of the deep cultural connections that Indigenous peoples have with this sacred land. It was an opportunity for all attendees to pay tribute to their history, culture, and ongoing relationship with the mountain. As the event came to a close, participants were left with a greater appreciation for the rich heritage and contributions of Indigenous communities.

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