Leadership Messages | Fort Lewis College | Durango, CO

To more completely understand the boarding school era, FLC’s leadership, working directly with leaders of the Southern Ute Indian Tribe and the Ute Mountain Ute Tribe, advocated for Colorado House Bill 22-1327--state legislation that tasked History Colorado with investigating traumas inflicted upon Native American children at the Federal Indian Boarding Schools in the State of Colorado. The Bill also charged History Colorado to investigate the deaths and potential burial sites of the students who perished while attending the school.  Today, History Colorado made the full report publicly available. A link will also be available on the FLC Reconciliation website. 

To more completely understand the boarding school era and as part of Fort Lewis College's reconciliation efforts, FLC’s leadership, working directly with leaders of the Southern Ute Indian Tribe and the Ute Mountain Ute Tribe, advocated for Colorado House Bill 22-1327--state legislation that tasked History Colorado with investigating traumas inflicted upon Native American children at the Federal Indian Boarding Schools in the State of Colorado. The Bill also charged History Colorado to investigate the deaths and potential burial sites of the students who perished while attending the school. The report, Federal Indian Boarding Schools in Colorado: 1880-1920, was made public today. Read the community message sent by Tom Stritikus, President; Heather Shotton, Vice President for Diversity Affairs and Ernest House Jr., Trustee sent to students, faculty, and staff.

Fort Lewis College’s overall enrollment grew by 1.9 percent compared to last year, with dual enrollment, graduate, and transfer students driving the growth.

Guided by the leadership of our Trustees, alumni, faculty, students, and staff, FLC has explored how our origins as a Federal Indian Boarding School shape our present identity and influence our aspirations for the future.  

I’m honored to announce that Centura Health has partnered with us, investing $4 million for a facilities renovation and support for critical student wellness programs and cultural celebrations, including Fiesta on the Mesa and Hozhoni Days.

On a day when we remember those we’ve lost to anti-transgender violence, we also bear witness to more extreme violence and grieve the lives lost in Colorado Springs last night.