AMACHE ALLIANCE

Amache National Historic Site Maintenance Project. Improved access within the historic site through much needed grading and repair to roadways that were damaged from heavy rains, which occurred in the spring and summer of 2023. The repairs allowed for universal access within the site and removed hazards for vehicles which compromised visitor safety. The repaired historic WWII roads provided safe access for over 250 Amache families and visitors during the May Pilgrimage. Also, removed a non-historic water tank which returned barracks block 11K to a similar state as the surrounding blocks. The non-historic water tank on site was used by the Town of Granada until 2000, when it was abandoned. The tank was identified as non-contributing in the sites National Register nomination and facilitating its removal restores the integrity of the Site's cultural landscape. An Amache descendant family who visited their family's barracks for the first time had an incredible experience. This location was right next to the removed water tank. Project was completed in time to support the annual Amache pilgrimage and national media film crews covering the establishment ribbon cutting ceremony.

Amache - Sand Creek Massacre Youth Ambassador Program. As of December 1st, 2024, we have completed the first two of three engagements with a Youth Ambassador Cohort of 12 people ages 14-23, increased from the originally proposed 10. Adult educators, chaperons, and program leadership planned and guided the overall program which included site visits to both the Amache National Historic Site and Sand Creek Massacre Historic Site. The participants were able to engage in several cultural activities which helped solidify their new friendships while learning about different traditions. We completed debriefing sessions with community educators and support staff, and a comprehensive reflection survey for youth Ambassadors is in progress. Massacre Foundation. All but one of the 12 original ambassadors returned for this second phase. Youth ambassadors and their families participated in four days of relay-running and cultural activities between the Sand Creek Massacre site and Denver, approximately 200 miles. This was an extremely impactful event that built stronger ties between ambassadors and the landscape, their shared histories, and other members of the Cheyenne and Arapaho community.