These eight conversations were recorded with Southern Arapaho Elder Fred Mosqueda and Southern Cheyenne Elder Chester Whiteman during the March 2025 gathering in Niwot, Colorado.
They share guidance on Chief Nowoo3, the Sand Creek Massacre, language, traditional knowledge, public memory, and the responsibilities involved in building lasting relationships.
Visit the Building Arapaho, Cheyenne and Niwot Relationships page for the event context, reflections, and complete transcripts.
Video 01
Southern Arapaho Elder Fred Mosqueda shares the story of Chief Nowoo3, his brother Neva, and their older sister Mahom, also known as Snake Woman, whose family survived the Sand Creek Massacre. He explains how Mahom’s daughters used their English-language skills as interpreters during treaty negotiations that ultimately forced the Arapaho People to Oklahoma.
Watch on YouTube →Video 02
Fred Mosqueda and Chester Whiteman reflect on the Sand Creek Massacre, Chief Nowoo3’s death from his injuries, and the false “Indian Uprising” narrative repeated in Boulder County. They recount how Cheyenne and Arapaho leaders were denied an opportunity to negotiate peace and emphasize the enduring resilience of their peoples.
Watch on YouTube →Video 03
Fred Mosqueda and Chester Whiteman share their experiences building relationships with local governments, nonprofits, and other organizations across Colorado. They explain that truthful storytelling, mutual effort, and respect are necessary for healing and moving forward together.
Watch on YouTube →Video 04
Fred Mosqueda and Chester Whiteman discuss how communities can move beyond land acknowledgments by bringing Tribal Nations to the table and recognizing the knowledge they contribute. They call for tangible, face-to-face collaboration that creates shared benefits and turns passive statements into action.
Watch on YouTube →Video 05
Fred Mosqueda and Chester Whiteman discuss co-stewardship, efforts to bring buffalo back to Boulder County, and the Cheyenne and Arapaho Tribes’ desire to return to Colorado. They describe that homecoming as a collaborative opportunity grounded in strong relationships and the question, “What can we do together?”
Watch on YouTube →Video 06
Fred Mosqueda and Chester Whiteman recount their collaboration to rename Mount Evans as Mount Blue Sky. They describe uniting Tribal Nations and government agencies around a name intended to honor both Arapaho and Cheyenne people without causing further harm.
Watch on YouTube →Video 07
Fred Mosqueda and Chester Whiteman discuss Traditional Ecological Knowledge and how their ancestors’ understanding of plants, animals, water, and natural systems remains vital today.
Watch on YouTube →Video 08
Fred Mosqueda and Chester Whiteman discuss efforts to preserve Arapaho and Cheyenne languages and teach them to new generations, emphasizing that these living oral languages are best sustained through face-to-face conversation.
Watch on YouTube →