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Native American Culture & History Day 2026

October 10 @ 1:00 pm - 5:00 pm

$20
Native dancer in vibrant purple regalia presenting outdoors to families and community members during a Native American cultural program.
Join the High Plains Environmental Center for Native American Culture & History Day,
an outdoor afternoon of learning, cultural exchange, traditional knowledge, and community gathering in
Loveland, Colorado.

The program will explore Native American relationships with plants and land,
historical land use and rights, cultural traditions, songs, dance, and more through presentations
led by Native guests and community educators.

Event Details

  • Date: Saturday, October 10, 2026
  • Time: 1:00 PM – 5:00 PM (MDT)
  • Location: High Plains Environmental Center
    2698 Bluestem Willow Drive, Loveland, CO 80538
  • Suggested Donation: $20 per person
  • Format: Outdoor cultural and educational program

All proceeds from suggested donations are given to the Native American speakers participating
in the program and to organizations they are passionate about supporting.

Special Guests

  • Jan Iron and family – Multitribal
  • Kari Black Elk – Oglala Lakota
  • Rick Williams – Oglala Lakota / Northern Cheyenne

Program Highlights

  • Native American ethnobotany and traditional uses of Colorado native plants
  • Discussion of historical land use and Indigenous rights
  • Cultural artifacts and educational displays
  • Traditional songs and dance
  • Native-owned and Indigenous vendor booths
  • Opportunities for respectful community learning and conversation

Agenda

Plant Walk – Ethnobotany: Historic Uses of Colorado Native Plants

Presenter: Jim Tolstrup

Explore the historic uses and cultural significance of native Colorado plants during an
educational walk through the landscape.

2:00 PM – 3:30 PM | Historic Land Use Class

Presenter: Rick Williams

Learn about Indigenous relationships to land, historical land use, and the continuing importance
of land rights and stewardship.

3:30 PM – 5:00 PM | Native American Dance Circle & Demonstration

Presented by: Iron Family

Experience traditional dance and cultural sharing through an educational dance circle and demonstration.

Closing

Kari Black Elk

Vendors

  • Just Chill: Freeze Dried Candy – Kaw Nation
  • Michelle Bear Robe-Benally – Oglala / Sicangu Lakota
  • Jewelry artisan

What to Bring

Please bring your own chair or blanket. Seating will be on the grass,
so come prepared to enjoy the afternoon outdoors.

Come ready to listen, learn, and experience an afternoon centered on Native history,
living culture, land, and community.

Details

Venue

Organizer