Dear community members, colleagues and partners,
It is my honor to share the City of Boulder’s first-ever Tribal Ethnographic report with you.
This work represents more than research or documentation—it reflects living histories, enduring cultures and the ongoing presence of Indigenous Peoples whose connections to this land long predate the City of Boulder and continue today. We are deeply grateful to the Tribal Nations, elders and knowledge holders who chose to share their stories, perspectives and wisdom. This report is a gift, and we receive it with respect and responsibility.
The purpose of this report is to help create a stronger foundation for education, interpretation, and decision-making across our organization and community. It invites us to better understand Indigenous histories as an essential part of Boulder’s story, to recognize the impacts of colonization that continue to affect Tribal communities, and to honor traditional ecological knowledge as we steward this place together.
This is not a historical artifact. It speaks to who Indigenous Peoples are today and affirms that they are—and have always been—here.
As a city organization, we are committed to drawing from this report thoughtfully and responsibly. That means approaching it with humility, giving credit where credit is due, honoring the voices of elders and Tribal representatives, and ensuring that what we learn informs our policies, programs, and everyday work. It also means creating space for learning, reflection and relationship-building across departments—from education and community engagement to land management, development and policymaking.
We recognize that this work asks something of all of us. The Tribal Nations who have chosen to participate in this effort are challenging us to listen differently and without defensiveness, to expand our understanding of Boulder’s identity, and to consider how Indigenous perspectives can shape our collective future. We see this as part of a long-term commitment, not a one-time effort.
I encourage you to bring your curiosity and compassion as you engage with this report, which currently consists of the stories of eight Tribal Nations with hopes of more to come. Take time to reflect on its lessons, discuss them with colleagues and neighbors, and consider how they connect to the ways you show up and serve our community. Together, we can honor these stories and ensure they inform meaningful action.
Thank you for being part of this journey.
With respect,
Nuria Rivera-Vandermyde
City Manager
May 2026