As we move through the rhythm of daily life with school drop-offs, work meetings or errands, it’s easy to focus only on what’s right in front of us. But every so often, it’s worth stepping back to take in the larger picture.
This year offers us that opportunity in a big way. Our state will celebrate its 150th anniversary on Aug. 1, and just a few weeks earlier, on July 4, our nation will mark its 250th birthday. These milestones invite us to reflect not only on where we’ve been, but on who we are as a community and what we share.
Here in Southwest Colorado, a group of local residents has begun exploring how we can honor our unique geography, history and culture; the elements that define us and connect us. These efforts fall under the state’s “Power of Place” initiative and are part of the America 250 – Colorado 150 Commission, which was created by state law to guide commemorations across Colorado. The organizing committee locally is made up of volunteers from eight counties, and they have connections with the Southern Ute and Ute Mountain Ute tribes.
The goal is simple but profound: to honor the diverse and complex blend of people who have called this region home, stretching back to the Ancestral Puebloan days. So far, the group has only met twice, and there’s much work ahead. But one idea they are excited about is creating an interactive educational project for students in our region. They envision something that teaches local history and sparks conversations at home, where students can engage with their families and friends to learn about the stories that shaped Southwest Colorado. By demonstrating this “Power of Place,” they hope to help citizens find common ground in a shared future.
This concept resonates deeply with me on a personal level. As a Diné (Navajo), I know what it means to hold on to identity in the face of change. My parents were from the Navajo Nation but were sent to boarding school far from home, at the Sherman Institute. I still remember my first day of kindergarten. Each child stood before the class to be introduced. When my turn came, my teacher said, “This is Gilda Yazzie, and she’s an Indian!” That was the moment I realized I was different. But that realization also gave me strength. It reminded me to hold fast to my values and culture, which are sources of resilience that guide me even now. They give me purpose: to work for the benefit of everyone, regardless of background. As mayor of Durango, I carry that purpose into every meeting with residents.
The “Power of Place” group shares that same spirit. They have brainstormed themes, events and activities, but they are leaning toward one major project with multiple activities, culminating in a celebration later this summer. Education will be at the heart of it, specifically grade-school projects that invite families to learn together. They will likely seek donations to fund awards for student work, which could also help local businesses mark their own anniversaries. Budgets are tight, but creativity and collaboration can go a long way.
Meanwhile, local organizations are already stepping up, and I encourage everyone to stop by and visit these exhibitions and events if you get a chance. The Center of Southwest Studies is hosting an exhibition titled “Constellations of Place” on the landscape and history of our region, through Dec. 18. The Animas Museum is highlighting the Old Spanish Trail’s role as a trade route. And our wonderful Durango Public Library will host a special event on The Power of Place from 6 to 7:30 p.m. March 10.
I’m also looking forward to attending a reception on Feb. 28 for Connor Chee at the Community Concert Hall at Fort Lewis College. Chee is an award-winning Navajo pianist who blends classical piano traditions with Navajo cultural heritage. He has performed at Carnegie Hall and the United Nations, which is a perfect example of how artistry can bridge cultures and celebrate identity.
These milestones – 150 years for Colorado, 250 for our nation – are more than numbers. They’re reminders of the stories that bind us together. By honoring our past and embracing our shared future, we can make this celebration meaningful for generations to come.
Mayor Gilda Yazzie is a longtime Durango resident and Fort Lewis College graduate with a degree in business administration. Durango’s first Navajo (Diné) councilor and mayor, she has worked with HUD and other federal, state and tribal agencies, as well as on Capitol Hill on women’s rights and racial equality.
