Land Acknowledgment
In the spirit of respect, recognition, and responsibility, we Blue Yarrow Herbs, acknowledge the Indigenous history of the Denver region and the broader landscapes of Colorado. We recognize and honor the Southern Ute Indian Tribe and Ute Mountain Ute Tribe; upon whose traditional territories our work takes place. These lands, rich in history and culture, were once home to the Arapaho tribe as outlined in the 1851 Treaty of Fort Laramie.
We acknowledge the profound changes that occurred following the discovery of gold in the 1850s, leading to an influx of settlers and the subsequent treaties and actions that profoundly affected the Indigenous peoples of this region. The Treaty of Fort Wise in 1861 marked the beginning of land cessations that significantly altered the lives and territories of the Native inhabitants. The tragic events of the Sand Creek Massacre in 1864, where hundreds of Arapaho and Cheyenne people were mercilessly killed, remain a stark reminder of the cost of colonization and the resilience of Indigenous communities.
Furthermore, we recognize the history of other Indigenous nations native to Colorado, including the Apache, Comanche, Shoshone, and Ute, and the ongoing presence and contributions of these communities to the state. The Ute tribes, with their current headquarters in Ignacio and Towaoc, Colorado, represent the enduring strength and resilience of Indigenous peoples in the face of adversity.
In the mid-20th century, Denver became one of nine federal relocation sites aimed at assimilating American Indian peoples from reservations into urban centers. This policy brought many Indigenous individuals and families to Denver, contributing to the diverse American Indian/Alaska Native population that enriches the city today.
As we move forward with our project, we commit to recognizing and integrating the knowledge, voices, and experiences of the Indigenous communities whose history and presence permeate the land we now share. We encourage all involved to further their understanding of the Denver area's historical and current Indigenous populations through resources such as the History Colorado Center, Native American Trading Company, and Denver Art Museum.
Lauren Ann Nichols-Sheffler attended The Colorado School of Clinical Herbalism and received her certificate in medical herbalism. She is the owner of Blue Yarrow Herbs aka Herbal Vice, an herbal product company practicing bioregional herbalism by cultivating plants and sourcing locally. Lauren loves educating and advocating for plant sustainability. She is the sourcing and Purchasing manager for WishGarden Herbs.