Denver Indian Family Resource Center

08/30/2026

🎉 Congratulations to First People’s Community Center! 🎉 First Peoples Community Center

Today, we celebrate the grand opening of First People’s Community Center in Fort Collins, Colorado! We are so excited to see this vision become a reality and wish the Center, its staff, and the entire community all the best as they begin this important journey. ❤️

A special congratulations to Executive Director Nizhoni Valdez for her leadership and dedication in establishing a space that will serve and uplift Native American community members and families throughout Fort Collins and the surrounding Larimer County area.

We are especially proud that DIFRC Cofounder and Emeritus Board Member Lucille EchoHawk provided the keynote address at today’s celebration. Lucille has also played an integral role in supporting the planning and establishment of the Center, helping lay the groundwork for this exciting new organization.

As a proud community partner, DIFRC looks forward to collaborating with the First People’s Community Center. This September, we will work together to support the development of a service delivery model and share knowledge and resources to help strengthen the Center as it grows.

We are honored to stand alongside First People’s Community Center and celebrate this incredible milestone. Congratulations, Nizhoni and the entire First People’s Community Center community! We look forward to all that is ahead. 🌱❤️

Photo credits: Brendan Morrison and Kristina Maldonado Bad Hand

FirstPeoplesCommunityCenter DIFRC CommunityLeadership

08/27/2026

🧡September 30th is the National Day for Truth and Reconciliation otherwise known as Orange Shirt Day. It was established to honor the survivors of the Indian Boarding School and Residential School systems to recognize the lasting, intergenerational impacts of these institutions on Indigenous communities. 🧡

The orange shirt became the symbol of this movement through the story of Phyllis Webster who had her new orange shirt taken away from her on her first day at residential school representing the loss of identity, culture, and belonging that many indigenous children faced. 🧡

Join us on Saturday, 9/26 to listen to the stories and lessons from our panel of Boarding School Survivors. We will come together to share stories, honor those affected, collectively grieve, and most importantly uplift healing from the trauma and generational harm caused by the boarding school system. 🧡
🏫University of Denver Community Commons Grand Forum Room 1700
📍 2155 E Evans Ave. Denver CO, 80210
⏰10:00am - 1:00pm

08/19/2026

Hello everyone!

Thank you to everyone who came out for our 2nd Annual Song and Dance! It was beautiful to see community members come together to share knowledge, learn from one another, and honor the importance and history of sheep butchering within Diné communities.

DIFRC’s Wakanyeja Program is rooted in highlighting the diverse knowledge, traditions, and practices of Tribal Nations represented within our Denver Native community. Our programming also works to make these teachings more accessible to Native youth living in urban communities.

A special thank you to Irvin Jones for joining us to share his knowledge about the history of Song and Dance and for sharing his beautiful voice with us. We are grateful for the time, teachings, and generosity he brought to this gathering.

We also want to extend our deepest gratitude to all of the community members, volunteers, and supporters who contributed their time, knowledge, and energy to make this event possible. ❤️

A special thank you to our core sponsor, First Nations Development Institute, for their generous support and continued commitment to helping make this programming possible for our Native youth!!

Thank you to our partners:

🐑 Audry Brady and her husband Russell, Denver Public Schools Native American Culture & Education, for facilitating the sheep butchering demonstration.
🧶 Roselyn Small, Auntie Rosie Rack LLC, for facilitating the weaving workshop, sponsored by Denver Indian Health and Family Services.
🤝 Denver Indian Center, Inc.
🤝 Navajo in the City

Thank you all for helping us create a space for learning, connection, cultural knowledge, and community. We are grateful to everyone who made this gathering possible and look forward to gathering with you again!

08/18/2026

08/18/2026

Join us for a community meal to support our local unhoused neighbors. In addition to serving food, we will distribute essential clothing and hygiene products.

Thank you to everyone who has already donated. As we prepare, we are still seeking donations of backpacks, men's clothing, socks, or potluck dishes to share. Financial contributions can also be made directly at coloradonativeoutreachproject.net
Colorado Native Outreach Project

Thank you for your continued support in brightening the lives of our Unhoused community members.

https://www.signupgenius.com/go/9040945A4AC28AAFF2-50827012-august

08/18/2026

August is National Wellness Month. Take time to prioritize yourself this month!

08/18/2026

The Denver Temporary Rental and Utility Assistance (TRUA) Program application window is now open starting at 10 a.m. today, Tuesday August 18, until 9:59 a.m. Wednesday August 19. Completed applications must be submitted before 9:59 a.m. tomorrow.

➡ Head to www.denvergov.org/RentHelp to learn more and apply.

08/14/2026

📣 Heads up! DIFRC will be closed Friday, Aug. 14 (9am–5pm) as we prepare for our community event.

🎉 Join us Saturday, Aug. 15 at Tall Bull Memorial Park in Sedalia, CO — 11:30am to 9pm for the Navajo Song & Dance!

Questions? Email [email protected]