Native American Experiences in Denver
Long before the discovery of gold brought pioneers to the area, Colorado was home to a wide array of Native American tribes. Today, visitors can get a taste of the art, culture and traditions of these indigenous peoples at several Mile High City attractions.
Native Roots | Modern Form: Allan Houser at the Denver Botanic Gardens
May 1-Nov. 13, 2011
1007 York St., Denver
www.botanicgardens.org
The Denver Botanic Gardens’ outdoor sculpture exhibit, Native Roots | Modern Form: Plants, Peoples and the Art of Allan Houser, features more than 20 bronze works created by American modernist Allan Houser (Warm Springs Chiricahua Apache, 1914–1994). This pioneering personality opened doors for future generations of Native artists, and is one of the most important American artists of the 20th Century. Don't miss this opportunity to see Houser's works in the unparalleled setting of the Denver Botanic Gardens.
Denver Art Museum
100 W 14th Ave. Pkwy, Denver
www.denverartmuseum.org
The Denver Art Museum's newly remodeled American Indian art galleries opened on January 30, 2011, with a new focus on artists, their creations, and their inspirations. The DAM's American Indian art collection includes more than 18,000 art objects representing the heritage of all cultures and tribes across the United States and Canada. Recognized as one of the best of its kind in the United States, the collection spans more than 2,000 years of artistic creativity, from prehistoric times to the present. The collection includes diverse artistic traditions such as Pueblo ceramics, Navajo textiles, Northwest Coast sculpture, basketry, Plains beadwork, and oil paintings, representing the full range of American Indian art styles. Over the past 80 years, these artworks have been featured both nationally and internationally in scholarly publications, innovative exhibitions, and educational programs. Keep an eye on the Museum’s events calendar: The Native Arts Department periodically brings Native American artists to the museum to speak about their art, and sponsors an annual Friendship Powwow each September.
Colorado History Museum
1300 Broadway, Denver
www.coloradohistory.org
A virtual tour through Colorado’s colorful past, the Colorado History Museum hosts an impressive collection of Native American historical objects and displays, illustrating how the state’s earliest inhabitants lived. Exhibits include “Ancient Voices: Stories of Colorado's Distant Past,” showcasing the Paleo-Indian, who lived in the state around 8,000 years ago, the Apishapa of southeastern Colorado, and the ancient Puebloans. Visitors are immersed in the day-to-day lives of these first inhabitants through multi-sensory environments, from a detailed depiction of a Puebloan cliff dwelling to a bison kill site on the plains. Note: The Colorado History Museum is currently in the process of moving to a new location. Go to www.ColoradoHistory.org for more details.
Buffalo Bill Museum & Grave
987½ Lookout Mountain Road, Golden
www.buffalobill.org
Old West icon Buffalo Bill Cody is buried 30 minutes west of Denver on Lookout Mountain in Golden. The museum that bears his name takes visitors through Bill’s dynamic life – including his fascinating relationship with American Indians. Originally a scout during the Indian wars, he later became an advocate for American Indians and was well known for treating them with equality and respect during his years touring with Buffalo Bill’s Wild West.
Denver Museum of Nature and Science
2001 Colorado Blvd., Denver
www.dmns.org
As visitors travel through the various regions in the Denver Museum of Nature and Science's eye-opening North American Indian Cultures exhibit hall, they'll explore authentic reconstructed dwellings, including an Eskimo snow house, a Northwest Coast clan house, a Navajo hogan, and a Cheyenne tipi. Along the way, examine beautifully crafted weavings, basketry, beadwork, and pottery. Stop to listen to stories and watch videos on the major cultural groups.
Manitou Cliff Dwellings Museum
10 Cliff Dwellings Road, Manitou Springs
www.cliffdwellingsmuseum.com
Travel back to a time before the arrival of Christopher Columbus to visit the fascinating culture that created the awesome and mysterious stone structures the Manitou Cliff Dwellings. The Manitou Cliff Dwellings Museum, located at the foot of Pikes Peak (an hour-and-a-half drive from Denver), is a rare treasure, allowing visitors to explore the remarkably preserved ruins of a long-gone civilization. “There are no ‘Do Not Touch’ signs,” the Museum’s Web site proudly proclaims. Visitors are free to touch and even go inside these architectural remnants of an American Indian culture that roamed the Four Corners area of the Southwest from 1200 B.C. to A.D. 1300.
Shop For Native American Art in Denver
Native American Trading Company
213 West 13th Ave., Denver
www.nativeamericantradingco.com
For more than 25 years, the Native American Trading Company has offered high quality affordable and authentic handmade Indian art. Every piece is individually selected by owners Jack Lima and Robin Lima Riddel, who frequently make trips to reservations, pueblos, and the homes of the artists in search of the finest pieces, including antique weavings, pottery, baskets, jewelry, artifacts, and photographs. Located just across the street from the Denver Art Museum, Native American Trading Company is a must-visit gallery.
Native American Events in Denver
Colorado Indian Market and Southwest Showcase
Denver Merchandise Mart (451 East 58th Ave., Denver)
www.indianmarket.net/p7.html
Every January brings the fun and festive Colorado Indian Market and Southwest Showcase to Denver, featuring three magical days of art, craft, song, dance and culture. With more than 300 artists presenting their work, dozens of performers, and dazzling costumes at every turn, the Indian Market is a great way to get acquainted with Native American traditions. Check back for 2012 dates.
Denver March Powwow
Denver Coliseum (4600 Humboldt St., Denver)
www.denvermarchpowwow.org
Since 1984, the heritage of American Indians has been celebrated in Denver every March at the Denver March Powwow, one of the largest events of its kind in the country. A welcoming glimpse into Native American culture, more than 1,600 dancers from close to 100 tribes from 38 states and three Canadian provinces come to the three-day event, filling the Denver Coliseum with singing, dancing, storytelling, food, art. There are also more than 170 booths selling a variety of Native American art works and products. Buy jewelry and blankets, pottery and beadwork from some of the nation’s most skilled Indian craftsman. Try Native American foods such as fry bread and Indian tacos or buy an authentic Cheyenne arrow or a Sioux tomahawk. The 2011 Powwow takes place March 18-20.
Tesoro Indian Market and Powwow
The Fort Restaurant (19192 Hwy. 8, Morrison)
www.tesorofoundation.org
The Annual Indian Market and Powwow is highlighted by award-winning Native American artists who show their wares and demonstrate their crafts. A contest Powwow fills the valley below The Fort Restaurant, when dancers and drummers share their heritage in competitions of Traditional, Shawl, Fancy, Grass and Jingle dancing. Visitors will have the opportunity to learn about the traditional dances and regalia while watching the brilliant display of cultures and colors. The 2011 event takes place May 14-15.