CO SJR030

Acknowledges the Sand Creek Massacre of November 29, 1864, in which approximately 675 U.S. soldiers under Colonel John Chivington killed more than 200 Cheyenne and Arapaho villagers, mostly elderly men, women, and children, near Eads, Colorado, despite peace flags and assurances of safety.

Honors the bravery of Captain Silas Soule and Lieutenant Joseph Cramer, who refused to participate in the massacre and reported the atrocities to authorities, and recognizes at least 100 other soldiers who also refused orders to participate.

Acknowledges prior efforts to memorialize the event, including Colorado Senate Joint Resolution 99-017's interpretive plaque at the State Capitol and the establishment of the Sand Creek Massacre National Historic Site by the National Park Service in April 2007.

Recognizes November 29, 2014, as the 150th anniversary and affirms that healing requires public recognition, education about the massacre and those who stood up for justice, and continued efforts to prevent future atrocities.

Directs copies of the resolution to be sent to tribal leaders of the Cheyenne and Arapaho Tribes of Oklahoma, Northern Arapaho Business Council, Northern Cheyenne Tribal Council, Governor John Hickenlooper, Lieutenant Governor Joseph Garcia, and the Sand Creek Massacre Commemoration Commission.