Written by: W. Dustin Whistler, Principal, Forte Commercial Real Estate
As we take time to honor Indigenous Peoples’ Day on October 14th, I find myself reflecting on the history of our Colorado land and the deep presence of the Indigenous communities who have called it home for centuries.
As a member of the Cherokee Nation and Shawnee Tribe myself, this day has added significance as I continue to grow in my own relationship with my family history. At Forte, we recognize that our Denver community sits on the traditional territories of the Ute, Cheyenne, and Arapaho Peoples. We also honor the 48 contemporary tribal nations that continue to have ties to Colorado. These are not just acknowledgments of the past, but reminders of the vibrant and ongoing presence of Indigenous communities today.
The importance of Indigenous Peoples’ Day goes beyond the celebration of heritage—it’s about acknowledging the complex and painful history that has been too often overlooked. Our country has a legacy of displacement, forced assimilation, and systemic injustices that continue to impact Indigenous communities today. Understanding this history is essential to confronting the inequities that persist in our society today.
We must also take action to build a more equitable future. For me, action looks like educating myself, supporting Indigenous-owned businesses, organizations, and nonprofits, and being an advocate for equity in our work and community.
I’d welcome additional perspectives on how we can continue to support and act on behalf of our Indigenous communities.
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