Land acknowledgement

The congregation of St. James Episcopal Church acknowledges that the land on which we worship is the ancestral homeland and buffalo hunting grounds of the Núuchi-u (Ute), Tsétsêhéstâhese (Cheyenne), and Hinono'eino (Arapahoe).  We recognize and honor these indigenous peoples as the original stewards of these lands. We also recognize the 48 tribal nations that are historically tied to the lands that make up the State of Colorado.

St. James is committed to learning from indigenous communities and working toward a path of reconciliation.  By remembering that the earth does not belong to us, and that we belong to the earth, we look toward indigenous people as models of stewardship for nature and creation.  We acknowledge that they were forcibly displaced from this land. In public recognition of our national history, and with God’s help, we embrace our moral and intellectual responsibilities to indigenous people and to affirm our commitment to reconciliation and justice.

This is not a single declaration, but the first sign of our commitment in actions and words.  We will continuously work for positive changes to benefit all our human family, especially indigenous people.

~ Statement unanimously adopted by the vestry of Saint James, Oct. 17, 2025