CLICS/CLICS2024A/commsumm.nsf
PUBLIC
BILL SUMMARY For PRESENTATION BY THE TRUTH, RESTORATION, AND EDUCATION COMMISSION (TREC) OF COLORADO
INTERIM COMMITTEE AMERICAN INDIAN AFFAIRS INTERIM STUDY COMMITTEE
Date Jul 8, 2024
Location SCR 357
Presentation by the Truth, Restoration, and Education Commission (TREC) of Colorado - Committee Discussion Only
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01:22:28 PM |
Richard B. Williams,
representing People of the Sacred Land (PSL) and Dr. Terri Bissonette,
representing the American Indian Academy of Denver, introduced themselves
and presented on the Truth, Restoration, Education Commission (TREC) of
Colorado. A copy of the presentation may be found in Attachment D.
Mr. Williams discussed the history of Native Americans in Colorado and
his family's connection to it. Dr. Bissonette covered the findings of the
TREC.
The presenters discussed that the TREC, in collaboration with the PSL examined
the history of Colorado in order to uncover the causes of widespread land
displacement and the genocide of Native peoples in the state. They stated
that the TRECâs primary focus is on restoring the status of Tribal Nations
in modern-day Colorado, and establishing an environment where Native communities
in the state can grow and succeed.
The presenters discussed that the TREC report provides an examination of
the damage to Native peoples due to forced relocation, illegal seizure
of land, violations of human rights, acts of violence, warfare, deceptive
practices, and other illicit actions perpetrated by the state of Colorado,
its citizens, and the U.S. government and federal agents over the past
170 years. They stated that the TREC report outlines the processes by which
the extermination transpired and pinpoints the entities accountable for
implementing harmful policies, agreements, and laws that had detrimental
effects on American Indian populations.
The key recommendations discussed by Dr. Bissonette addressed land seizures,
sovereignty issues, and reperations. She discussed Colorado State University
returning land to Tribal Nations; the Department of Natural Resources honoring
the treaties of Tribal Nations by restoring the Tribesâ hunting and fishing
rights within the boundaries of the state; and compensation by the state
to Northern Cheyenne and Northern Arapaho Tribes for tribal lands. She
also discussed enacting legislation mandating a fee of .01% on all upcoming
real estate transactions in the state to benefit Tribal Nations, and constructing
an American Indian Cultural History Center.
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