A monumental statue memorializing the Sand Creek Massacre, one of Colorado’s darkest moments in history, has been approved for installation on the Colorado State Capitol grounds. The statue, created by sculptor Gerald Anthony Shippen, will depict Cheyenne and Arapaho chiefs Black Kettle and Left Hand, along with a Native American woman and child. The installation is set to begin in 2026.
The approval of the statue comes after unanimous support from both the Colorado Senate and House, marking a significant step towards awareness and healing. The memorial will replace a previous statue of a Union soldier that was toppled during racial justice protests in 2020. The new statue is intended to acknowledge and honor the victims of the brutal 1864 massacre by the U.S. Cavalry on Cheyenne and Arapaho people.
The bipartisan resolution for the memorial was sponsored by Sens. Kyle Mullica and Rod Pelton, as well as Reps. Tammy Story and Ty Winter. Mullica expressed hope that the memorial will serve as a turning point for Colorado to confront its past and strive for a more just and honest future. Funding for the memorial has been raised in part by the One Earth Future Foundation, with additional fundraising efforts starting soon through the Sand Creek Massacre Foundation.
The statue is seen as a symbol of recognition and reconciliation with the Cheyenne and Arapaho nations, with tribal representative Otto Braided Hair expressing gratitude for the unanimous legislative support. The memorial is also a nod to the annual Sand Creek Massacre Spiritual Healing Run, symbolizing the ongoing journey of healing and remembrance for the tribes involved.
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