Hickenlooper apologizes for Sand Creek Massacre

Cheyenne and Arapahoe tribal members are marking the 150th anniversary of the Sand Creek Massacre in Colorado, one of the deadliest massacres in American history.

About 70 tribal members participated in an annual four day run from Eads to the state capitol.

About 200 Cheyenne and Arapahoe died in the November 1864 massacre. Many of those killed were women and children.

The runners were met at the capitol by Gov. John Hickenlooper, who offered the following apology:

“On behalf of the state of Colorado, I want to apologize.

To the runners, to the Tribal Leaders and to all of the Indigenous people and the proud and painful legacy you represent…

On behalf of the good, peaceful and loving people in Colorado, I am sorry for the atrocity that our government and its agents visited upon your ancestors. I want to assure you that we will not run from this history, and that we will always work for peace and healing.”