All Nations Rise Speaks With The Mayor About Indigenous Peoples’ Day

Denver is one of the only cities to formally recognize Indigenous Peoples' Day. Previously recognized as a commemorative holiday, this year is the first that the City will recognize Indigenous Peoples' Day as a city holiday, with paid time off for city employees. The City has also proposed $20M in bond funding to build the American Indian Cultural Embassy near the airport, a gathering space for Indigenous, cultural and historical exchange. 

The 2025 Indigenous Peoples’ Day celebration kicks off with a City Park Living Land Dedication held in partnership with Denver Parks & Recreation. Then from 12-6 p.m. they invite the community to gather at City Park (East Meadow) for an event full of Traditional Dances, Round Dance, & Live Performances. In addition to this, the City will move forward in renaming Kittredge Park after Native American activist Amache Prowers, the first Denver Park named after a native woman. This comes after a unanimous decision by City Council Monday, October 6. 

Last week, Metzli and Anthony, hosts of Sunday Morning’s All Nations Rise, sat down with Denver Mayor Mike Johnston ahead Indigenous Peoples’ Day to talk about these actions which are seen by some as the most significant acknowledgement of Indigenous peoples in Denver in over 150 years following community advocacy for inclusion in the city's bond initiatives and public holidays.