Land, Labor & Community Acknowledgment

Honoring the Land

The Open Arms Collective acknowledges that we operate on the traditional and ancestral homelands of the Núu-agha-tʉvʉ-pʉ̱ (Ute), Tséstho’e (Cheyenne), and Očhéthi Šakówiŋ (Sioux) peoples.

These Nations have lived on, cared for, and stewarded this land for thousands of years. Long before Colorado was established as a state, Indigenous communities cultivated deep relationships with the land, water, and ecosystems here—relationships rooted in responsibility, reciprocity, and respect. Despite forced displacement, broken treaties, and ongoing systemic harm, Indigenous peoples continue to live, lead, and advocate for their communities and cultures today.

We honor their enduring presence and recognize that our work takes place on land shaped by both resilience and injustice.

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Honoring Labor

We also acknowledge the labor—past and present—that makes our work possible. This includes the labor of Indigenous peoples, Black communities, immigrants, refugees, and other marginalized groups whose work, care, and creativity have historically been exploited or erased, yet remain foundational to our society.

We honor caregivers, service workers, educators, organizers, and volunteers whose often unseen labor sustains families and communities every day.

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Diversity, Equity, Inclusivity & Justice Statement

The Open Arms Collective is committed to building a community rooted in dignity, equity, and belonging.

We believe diversity strengthens our collective well-being and that equity requires intentional action. We strive to create inclusive spaces where people of all races, ethnicities, abilities, gender identities, sexual orientations, faiths, immigration statuses, and socioeconomic backgrounds are welcomed, respected, and supported.

Justice, for us, means acknowledging historical and present-day inequities and working to dismantle systems that cause harm—particularly those impacting low-income families and marginalized communities. Our programs are guided by compassion, accountability, and a belief that everyone deserves access to basic needs, safety, and care.

We recognize that this work is ongoing. We are committed to listening, learning, and growing as an organization and as individuals.

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Our Call to Action

Acknowledgment alone is not enough.

We invite our community to join us in taking meaningful action by:

• Learning about the Indigenous history of the land you live on

• Supporting Indigenous-led and community-based organizations

• Reducing harm through sustainable, ethical, and inclusive practices

• Showing up for neighbors and families in need through service, advocacy, and mutual aid

• Holding ourselves accountable to equity and justice in our decisions and partnerships

Together, through care, humility, and action, we can work toward a more just and compassionate future—one rooted in responsibility to one another and the world we share.