We Are Still Here: Building a Welcoming Community for Native Americans

First Peoples Festival Cultural Training: "We Are Still Here"

An Invitation to Learn, Connect & Welcome Native Voices Into Our Community

In collaboration with Visit Estes Park, Estes Chamber of Commerce, and the Town of Estes Park, First Peoples Festival invites you to join us for an engaging and eye-opening presentation with Steven LaPointe, representing the Sicangu Lakota Nation, and Erlidawn Roy, of Meskwaki, Anishinaabe, Laguna Pueblo, and Isleta Pueblo heritage, as they share history, culture, personal experiences, and perspectives from the modern Native American community.

This is more than a history lesson.

It is an opportunity for our community to better understand Native Americans who live, work, visit, shop, create, lead, and contribute to communities across Colorado — and to consider how we can make sure they feel genuinely welcomed here.

Why This Matters to Our Town

Our downtown businesses and community organizations can create spaces where everyone feels respected, recognized, and welcome.

“We Are Still Here” will help us explore:

• How Native history continues to shape communities today
• The lived experiences of Native Americans in Colorado
• Tribal, treaty, constitutional, and citizenship rights
• The traditions and cultural values being carried forward to a new generation
• Modern challenges and experiences faced by Native people in our state
• How misunderstandings and assumptions can affect relationships
• How businesses and community organizations can build more meaningful connections
• What it can look like to move beyond simply being “welcoming” to building genuine relationships and belonging

1st Tribal Consulting: Meet Our Presenters

Steven LaPointe represents the Sicangu Lakota Nation and has spent years building grassroots connections and strengthening community through collaboration and cultural traditions. His work centers on keeping traditions alive and sharing the teachings of previous generations with the next.

Erlidawn Roy is of Meskwaki, Anishinaabe, Laguna Pueblo, and Isleta Pueblo heritage. Her lifelong commitment to Native communities has led her to work with Tribal, state, federal, and community organizations throughout Colorado and across the country.

Together, they bring history, firsthand experience, family stories, and community voices into a conversation that can help all of us see our community through a broader lens.

Let's Make Room at the Table

Welcoming Native Americans into our community isn't simply about learning about the past.

It's about recognizing who is here now.
It's about listening to Native voices.
It's about creating connections.
It's about building a community where Native people know they belong.

Whether you're a downtown business owner, community leader, resident, educator, organization, or simply someone who wants to learn more, you are invited.

Come curious. Come ready to listen. Come ready to connect.

We Are Still Here.
And there is room for all of us to build a stronger community together.

Presentation: 100+ minutes
Break & Community Q&A: Approximately 15 minutes