Honoring Native American Indian and Alaskan Native Heritage Month: advancing transportation equity

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As we celebrate Native American Indian and Alaskan Native (NAIAN) Heritage Month this November, RTD reflects on the invaluable contributions of Indigenous peoples to our shared history, culture and community. This month offers an opportunity to acknowledge the rich traditions and heritage of Native American and Alaskan Native communities while recognizing the ongoing challenges they face, particularly in accessing equitable transportation. This year's theme, "Celebrating Tribal Sovereignty and Identity," emphasizes the importance of self-governance and the essential role Tribes play in decisions impacting their communities and lands. As Tribal sovereignty is recognized through this theme, the federal government's trust responsibility is reaffirmed. The federal trust responsibility is an obligation to uphold the highest standards of accountability and trust toward Indian tribes.

At RTD, our mission to provide safe, reliable and accessible public transit aligns deeply with fairness, inclusion and community partnership principles. Indigenous communities have lived sustainably on this land for generations, long before modern transportation systems were developed. Today, as we honor their legacy, we also commit to addressing the disparities they face in accessing vital services, such as transportation, which fosters economic opportunity and community well-being.

The role of transportation in equity

Transportation is more than just a means to get from one place to another—it is a gateway to opportunity, employment, education and healthcare. However, many Native American and Alaskan Native communities face significant transportation barriers. Indigenous populations in rural areas often experience limited access to public transit, while urban Indigenous populations encounter additional challenges such as higher costs of living and systemic inequities. RTD recognizes that transportation equity is essential to reducing these barriers and improving the quality of life for Native American and Alaskan Native people in its service areas. The agency’s commitment to ensuring all residents access reliable and affordable transit is part of its broader effort to advance social and economic justice.

Transportation equity for tribal communities

In September 2023, the U.S. Department of Transportation's Federal Transit Administration (FTA) awarded $9.9 million in grants to 22 American Indian Tribes and Alaska Native communities to improve public transit systems. These grants, part of the FTA's Tribal Transit Program, enable Tribes to purchase new vehicles, upgrade bus facilities and expand transit services introduced by the Biden-Harris administration through the Bipartisan Infrastructure Law.This federal funding emphasizes the importance of transportation equity for Tribal communities. As U.S. Transportation Secretary Pete Buttigieg noted, "These grants will help ensure Tribal residents have more reliable, affordable ways to access jobs, schools and essential resources." The funding represents an increase of nearly 83%, supporting sustainable and community-driven solutions that meet the unique transportation needs of Tribal Nations.

RTD's commitment to inclusive transportation

In alignment with its equity, diversity and inclusion values, RTD continues to work toward transportation solutions that serve everyone, regardless of background or circumstance. This commitment includes:

Improving Access: We are committed to expanding transportation options for underserved communities, including Native American and Alaskan Native populations. This includes enhancing fixed-route services for greater safety and reliability, as well as providing support through the Transit Assistance Grant (TAG) Program. The TAG Program distributes grants in the form of standard 10-Ride Ticket books at no cost to qualified nonprofit and governmental organizations that serve community and social service needs. RTD has provided several transit passes to organizations that support Native American and Alaskan Native communities, ensuring access to vital services.
Leveling the Playing Field: RTD’s Small Business Opportunity Office in the Civil Rights Division works to foster lasting relationships and create business opportunities with Native-owned businesses. In collaboration with the Rocky Mountain Indian Chamber of Commerce, RTD is committed to opening doors for Native American and Alaskan Native entrepreneurs.
Promoting Sustainability: Indigenous peoples have long been stewards of the environment, and their sustainable practices inspire our approach to developing environmentally conscious transit systems. By reducing our carbon footprint and expanding eco-friendly transportation options — particularly through the Bus Rapid Transit program in partnership with the Colorado Department of Transportation — RTD aims to protect the land we share while providing efficient mobility solutions.

Celebrating heritage through action

This Native American Indian and Alaskan Native Heritage Month, RTD proudly stands in solidarity with Indigenous communities. By promoting transportation equity, the agency strives to ensure that all people — regardless of their heritage — can access the resources and opportunities they deserve.

In observance of Native American Indian and Alaskan Native Heritage Month, RTD encourages its employees and the broader community to support local businesses and organizations that advocate for Indigenous peoples. Here are a few ways to get involved:

Have a meal at Tocabe, an American Indian Eatery: Tocabe is currently the only American Indian-owned and -operated restaurant in Metro Denver specializing in Native American cuisine. Co-owners Matt Chandra and Ben Jacobs, inspired by Grayhorse, an American Indian Eatery established in 1989, specialize in Indigenous dishes, including Indian tacos.
Volunteer with Spirit of the Sun: Participate in the weekly Native Elders Food Share through Spirit of the Sun, an Indigenous women-led nonprofit working to empower Native communities. The organization, based on the lands of the Očhéthi Šakówiŋ, Núu-agha-tʉvʉ-pʉ̱ (Ute), Cheyenne, Arapaho and other Tribes, focuses on youth and young adults to boost Native resilience.
Donate to the Native American Services at the Colorado Coalition for the Homeless: This program provides comprehensive case management services to unsheltered Indigenous adults in the Denver Metro area, connecting them to critical resources to help stabilize and exit homelessness.
Support through donation or volunteering with the Haseya Advocate Program: A Native woman-led organization, Haseya serves Indigenous survivors of domestic and sexual violence in the Colorado Springs region. The organization provides culturally sensitive advocacy, safety planning, resource access and more.

RTD remains committed to honoring Indigenous history and culture by recognizing past contributions and taking meaningful steps toward a more inclusive and accessible future. Together, we can build a transportation system that reflects all our communities' diversity, resilience and strength.

Diversity Spotlight recognizes special observances as set forth by presidential proclamation, executive order and public law, and in keeping with RTD’s commitment to diversity, equity, inclusion and belonging. Please note that participation in these activities is voluntary and unpaid. Supervisor approval is required to participate if events occur during a regularly scheduled shift.