During the 1950’s Denver was one of five relocation cities for American Indian and Alaska Natives (AI/AN’s) in an effort to break-up the reservation system by the federal government. As a result, Denver saw a large increase of native people from across the country resulting in a diverse multi-tribal community, searching for stability and opportunity. To help meet their needs, the Denver Indian Center (DIC) was founded in 1983 by Denver American Indian leaders to provide a common venue for people from a wide array of tribes.
From a 1985 agreement with the City and County of Denver, DIC was given an unused school for the purposes of a community center and gained ownership in 2005. While some of the programs housed at the DIC have changed over the years, its essential purpose remains to serve as a resource for AI/AN’s to adjust, foster community and thrive in the Denver urban environment. The vision of DIC is to create intergenerational links that provide the tools for AI/AN families to thrive and lay the foundation for current and future generations.
