j_cbac_2016a_2016-08-19t15:01:43z1 Hearing Summary

Date: 08/19/2016

03:06 PM -- Proposed Donation of a Memorial for the Capitol Grounds - Sand Creek Memori



Jon Bellish, representing the One Earth Future Foundation, presented the proposed Sand Creek Massacre Memorial. Committee members received the application for the memorial and a packet of public comment on the memorial (Attachments B and C).



Attachment B.pdf Attachment C.pdf



Harvey Pratt, memorial artist, described his career as a forensic artist and his proposed design for the Sand Creek Massacre Memorial. He explained that the memorial was designed to promote healing, and he discussed the symbolism used in the primary sculptural design. Mr. Pratt continued to discuss other elements of the memorial.



Ms. Contiguglia, Mr. Pratt, and Mr. Bellish discussed the final design elements of the memorial. Mr. Pratt noted that the proposed medicine wheel would be rendered in stone in the ground.



Ms. Contiguglia and Mr. Bellish discussed the funding of the memorial. Mr. Bellish explained that costs associated with constructing, fabricating, and installing the memorial are fully funded.



The committee opened the floor to public testimony on the proposal.



03:16 PM -- Senator Suzanne Williams, representing herself, spoke in support of the memorial.



03:17 PM -- Joe Big Medicine, representing the Cheyenne and Arapaho Tribes, spoke in support of the memorial.



03:19 PM -- Henry Little Bird, Sr., representing the Arapaho Tribe, spoke in support of the memorial.



03:21 PM -- Winfield Russell, representing the Northern Cheyenne Tribe, spoke in support of the memorial. He discussed the annual commemoration of the Sand Creek Massacre and its importance.



03:26 PM -- Mark Cavanaugh, representing himself, spoke in support of the memorial.



03:28 PM -- Herbert Welsh, representing the Northern Arapaho Tribal Council of Elders, spoke in support of the memorial. He noted the remote location of the massacre site and discussed the atrocity that occurred there. He explained that this kind of action is condemned in modern society. Mr. Welsh added that American Indians are used to giving ground and compromising. He told the story of his relative killed in the massacre, and he read a quote from Col. Chivington.



03:38 PM -- Gail Ridgely, representing the Northern Arapaho Tribe, spoke in support of the memorial.



03:40 PM -- Bill Robinson, representing himself, spoke on the memorial. He expressed his opinion that the memorial would be better located near the existing art installation outside the Denver Art Museum. He discussed "present-ism" and holding past actions to modern standards and values.



Mr. Halaas responded to this discussion.



03:54 PM -- Ernest House, Jr., Executive Director of the Colorado Commission of Indian Affairs in the Office of the Lieutenant Governor, spoke in support of the memorial. He noted the Governor's support for the memorial, and he discussed the commission's previous work to commemorate the Sand Creek Massacre.



03:57 PM -- Dennis Ridgely, representing the Northern Arapaho Tribal Council, spoke in support of the memorial. He discussed his involvement with the Sand Creek Run and his tribe's connections to the Denver area.



04:01 PM -- Ryan Spoonhunter, representing the Northern Arapaho Business Council, spoke in support of the memorial.



04:02 PM -- Patty Limerick, Colorado State Historian, spoke in support of the memorial. She noted others in attendance who support the memorial.



04:04 PM -- Derek Everett, representing himself, spoke in support of the memorial. He discussed other memorials on the Capitol grounds and the role of commemorative history.



04:07 PM -- June Reilly, representing herself, spoke in support of the memorial.



04:10 PM -- Karen Little Coyote, representing the Cheyenne and Arapaho Tribes, spoke in support of the memorial.



04:11 PM



Mr. Morrison noted discussion that has occurred about the location of the memorial and possible maintenance concerns. Mr. Lee discussed maintaining the memorial, particularly in snowy or icy conditions. He also commented on the need to level the ground below the memorial.

Ms. Contiguglia requested that the committee be able to see a design before it is finalized. Senator Cadman requested that the committee approve a final location selection.



Representative McNulty discussed the role of Lincoln Park in the Civic Center area. He explained that he would not support the location of the memorial as proposed by the applicant.



Mr. Turner continued to discuss the Civic Center, noting that the entire area is a National Historic Landmark. He further discussed History Colorado's efforts to commemorate the Sand Creek Massacre and the challenges this poses.