The profound, lingering scars of history seldom fade on their own; they demand diligent tending, a truth powerfully embodied each year as descendants of the horrific Sand Creek Massacre culminate their Spiritual Healing Run at the imposing steps of the Colorado State Capitol. This annual pilgrimage, deeply rooted in ancestral memory, serves as a poignant reminder that while the state has taken significant steps toward acknowledging its past atrocities, the most crucial stride in Colorado’s arduous journey toward genuine reconciliation still lies ahead, symbolized by an empty pedestal on the Capitol’s west plaza awaiting a monumental truth.

On November 29, 1864, a day etched in infamy, a peaceful encampment of Cheyenne and Arapaho people, resting under the explicit promise of U.S. military protection, endured an unspeakable betrayal. Colonel John Chivington’s volunteer troops descended upon them, unleashing a brutal and unprovoked slaughter. More than 200 lives were extinguished—predominantly women, children, and elders—in an act of calculated violence so profound that its echoes resonate across generations, inflicting an intergenerational trauma that continues to impact Indigenous communities today. Despite swift condemnation from military and congressional investigations, which unequivocally labeled the event a massacre, Colorado for decades paradoxically celebrated it as a victory, perpetuating a false narrative that deepened the wounds of the surviving tribes and their descendants.

This historical revisionism found concrete expression in a plaque on a monument within the Capitol grounds, which shamelessly listed Sand Creek among Colorado’s legitimate Civil War battles. Such monuments, once symbols of civic pride, increasingly face scrutiny worldwide as societies grapple with confronting contentious aspects of their past. The removal of this misleading plaque marked a pivotal moment, clearing the way for a more accurate and honorable representation of history. The space is now reserved for a powerful and necessary replacement: the "Peace Keepers" memorial, a bronze sculpture designed to honor the courageous and steadfastly peaceful Cheyenne and Arapaho leaders, such as Chief Black Kettle and Chief Left Hand, who clung to the promise of peace until their final breaths, and the resilience of survivors like Medicine Woman, who endured the massacre despite eight bullet wounds. This new memorial will stand as a testament to their enduring spirit and commitment to non-violence in the face of extreme aggression.

In a remarkable show of unified resolve, the Colorado Legislature and Governor Jared Polis in 2025 unanimously endorsed the creation and installation of this monument. This historic act of remembrance unequivocally affirms that the truth about Sand Creek must no longer be obscured by convenient historical narratives. It represents a profound governmental acknowledgment, an act of institutional forgiveness for past betrayals, and a public commitment to honoring the innocent lives lost. This legislative consensus reflects a growing national and global movement towards truth and reconciliation, where governments and communities actively seek to address historical injustices, acknowledge their lasting impacts, and foster healing through education and public memorialization. From Canada’s Truth and Reconciliation Commission addressing residential schools to similar initiatives in Australia and other nations grappling with colonial legacies, the imperative to confront difficult histories is becoming a hallmark of mature democracies.

Yet, as advocates for Indigenous rights and historical accuracy often emphasize, the real, and arguably hardest, work remains: healing. Healing, in this context, is not about forgetting the past or seeking a superficial closure that might ease discomfort. Instead, it demands a profound recognition that trauma, especially collective historical trauma, is not confined to the annals of history; it actively shapes the present. The deep soul wound inflicted by the Sand Creek Massacre continues to profoundly affect the lives of the Cheyenne and Arapaho people, manifesting in various forms of intergenerational hardship and cultural dislocaion. The "Peace Keepers" memorial, therefore, transcends being merely a statue for the descendants; it serves as a vital public space for all Coloradans—Indigenous and non-Indigenous alike—to confront this trauma, comprehend its enduring legacy, and begin the arduous process of repairing the foundational trust of this state, which was so violently fractured.

The history of Sand Creek offers a powerful and immediate cautionary tale for our current global moment. The massacre itself was not an isolated act of barbarism but rather the culmination of a toxic brew of fear, pervasive hysteria, and a willful rejection of conscience. Chivington’s attack, executed with brutal efficiency, was actively fueled by ambitious politicians and an inflammatory press that systematically dehumanized Indigenous tribes, portraying them as an existential threat. This climate of fear and misinformation actively encouraged violence, effectively replacing diplomatic engagement with brute force and treachery.

Today, across national and international discourse, unsettling parallels emerge. We witness rampant political polarization, the strategic and often deliberate spread of fear and disinformation through various media channels, and a growing temptation to view political opponents not as fellow citizens with whom to negotiate, but as existential enemies to be vanquished. When societies allow dialogue to be replaced by demagoguery, and diplomacy by dismissive rhetoric, they are, consciously or unconsciously, laying the very groundwork that enabled atrocities like the Sand Creek Massacre to occur. The lessons of history unequivocally demonstrate that dehumanization, whether directed at racial minorities, immigrants, or political adversaries, paves a perilous path towards conflict and profound societal harm.

The narrative embodied by the "Peace Keepers" chiefs stands as an enduring counter-example. It reminds us that even in the face of violent dehumanization, even when their lives and culture were under direct assault, these Cheyenne and Arapaho leaders made a conscious, courageous choice for peace. Their profound sacrifice and unwavering commitment to dialogue call upon all of us to champion humanity, truth, and open discourse, especially when the prevailing atmosphere tempts us toward anger, division, and the dangerous dismissal of differing perspectives. This memorial will not only honor their legacy but also serve as a timeless beacon for peaceful resolution and mutual understanding.

Colorado faces a critical deadline for this crucial commitment. The "Peace Keepers" memorial is scheduled for its dedication on November 29, 2026, a date deliberately chosen to coincide with Colorado’s 150th anniversary of statehood. This timing presents a unique and powerful opportunity for Colorado to declare, at the highest echelons of government and public consciousness, what kind of history it chooses to commemorate and, more importantly, what kind of future its citizens aspire to build. Will it be a future built on a sanitized past, or one that bravely acknowledges its complexities and injustices as a foundation for genuine progress?

The Sand Creek Massacre Memorial Committee is diligently working to raise the final funds necessary for the bronze casting and installation of this vital monument. The securing of a generous matching gift is a testament to a burgeoning community readiness to stand in solidarity with the descendants. Should the pedestal remain empty for another year, it would send a disheartening signal that Colorado’s commitment to truth and reconciliation is merely theoretical, a performative gesture rather than a deeply felt imperative. By actively supporting the completion of the "Peace Keepers" memorial now, Colorado emphatically declares that healing is a paramount priority. It is a choice to fill the void of a false, violent past with a permanent, visible testament to the courage, the pursuit of peace, and the enduring human spirit of the Cheyenne and Arapaho people. This decision not only honors the past but is absolutely essential for the future health, integrity, and profound healing of the state of Colorado and its diverse communities.