Mount Blue Sky
RENAME MOUNT EVANS TO HONOR THE INDIGENOUS PEOPLE OF COLORADO
“The land is our history book… it tells our story.”
CRystal C’Bearing, NOrthern ARAPHO, Tribal Historic Presevation Officer
Why Mount Blue Sky?
Mount Evans is a stunningly beautiful Colorado landmark that deserves a name that honors its natural and cultural history. The mountain is named in honor of John Evans, the former territorial governor of Colorado who authorized the indiscriminate murder of American Indians and was responsible for one of the worst massacres in American history, the Sand Creek Massacre. The Sand Creek Massacre resulted in the deaths of hundreds of Cheyenne and Arapaho men, women, and children. Evans was roundly condemned, forced to resign in disgrace, and is not deserving of recognition. This petition is submitted by the Cheyenne & Arapaho Tribes and The Wilderness Society. We propose to rename Mt. Evans as Mt. Blue Sky as it signifies the Arapaho as they are known as the Blue Sky People and the Cheyenne who have an annual ceremony of renewal of life called Blue Sky.
Upcoming Events and Meetings
U.S. Board on Geographic Names
TBD | Zoom Meeting
The Colorado Geographic Naming Advisory Board recommended renaming Mount Evans as Mount Blue Sky on November 17, 2022! Their recommendation will be passed on to Governor Polis, who will make the official renaming recommendation on behalf of Colorado to the Federal Board on Geographic Names. The BGN will decide whether Mount Evans should be renamed and what the new name should be.
To stay up to date on when the BGN’s final decision meeting will be, join our mailing list by clicking the button below.
Learn More
Read the complete Mount Blue Sky proposal, learn about the Sand Creek Massacre, and access webinars.
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News
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