The Colorado College in Colorado Springs honored the Ute ancestral homelands on which the campus sits by inviting: Dignitaries, Ute elders, Ute dancers and a drum group to this historical event, which included a traditional blessing of the Tava Quad by Sun Dance Chief, Hanley Frost. The Quad was originally named the Armstrong Quad. The name was renamed as an anti-racist initiative. Tava means “Sun” in Ute and is how the Utes identified the mountain known today as Pikes Peak.
Colorado College (CC) believes the naming of Tava Quad is both historic and significant. The Utes, who participated in the weekend of events, shared culture and knowledge with students and faculty. The College is working to become an anti-racist institution. Historically Colorado College has been a predominately white college, many policies and procedures have directly and indirectly favored white students, faculty and staff. The College is taking a stand to change policies and procedures that are harmful, as well as change their curriculum, so everyone can walk through the doors and feel that they can call CC home.
The Native and Indigenous community has described the naming of Tava Quad as a form of “healing.” CC would like the Ute tribes to work with them to create an endowed scholarship for Ute students. Right now, the college is engaged in raising $100 million in scholarships to provide access to more students from diverse backgrounds. The College would like to have more Ute communities be a part of the school’s future.
This event was a blessing, and an honor to be a part of. Colorado College is doing great things from addressing tuition costs to test exams, making sure Colorado students are successful at being a part of the CC Alumni going forward.