River Sisters Congreso is a coalition of Indigenous, Chicano/Mexicano, leaders protecting and honoring South Platte River
Personhood for the South Platte River
River Sisters Congreso is advancing the recognition of the South Platte River as a living being with inherent rights — to flow, to be clean, and to regenerate her ecosystems. Guided by Indigenous worldviews and international precedents (such as the Whanganui River in Aotearoa/New Zealand), this effort seeks to embed cultural and ecological principles into Denver’s environmental policy. The proposed framework includes a community-led guardianship model, ensuring shared accountability between Indigenous representatives, local residents, and city partners to protect the River’s health for future generations.
Turquoise Necklace Cultural Plan
The Turquoise Necklace envisions a connected corridor of 16 parks and open spaces along the South Platte River, each acting as a “bead” in a system of renewal, healing, and connection. In partnership with city agencies, River Sisters Congreso integrates cultural storytelling, public art, and community-centered design to honor the river’s spirit and the histories of Indigenous and Chicano/Mexicano communities. Through murals, sculpture, and ceremonial spaces, the corridor becomes a living cultural landscape rooted in both ancestral and contemporary voices. As part of this vision, the Congreso proposes renaming Vanderbilt Park East to “Seven Generations Park,” reflecting a shared responsibility to care for the river and future generations. The park will feature Four Directions Art, symbolizing balance, guidance, and the deep connection between land, water, and community.
IDENTITY
IDENTITY
IDENTITY
The representation and promotion of cultural diversity along the South Platte River, embracing elements that contribute to the unique identity of the communities it intersects.
RESPECT
IDENTITY
IDENTITY
The management of the South Platte ecosystem, river, culture, and historical health with reverence and consideration for their intrinsic value.
RESCUE
IDENTITY
SOCIAL COHESION
The creation and maintenance of the Turquoise Necklace system with strategies aimed at contributing to the recovery and revitalization of the river and its surrounding environment.
SOCIAL COHESION
ECONOMIC DEVELOPMENT
SOCIAL COHESION
The establishment and maintenance of the Turquoise Necklace system to empower marginalized communities, particularly Indigenous people, Latinos, and Chicanos, by providing equitable access to available opportunities.
RESPONSIBILITY
ECONOMIC DEVELOPMENT
ECONOMIC DEVELOPMENT
The design and management of the Turquoise Necklace system in a manner that exemplifies the shared responsibility of all residents of the South Platte River basin to protect and celebrate the legacy of the river.
ECONOMIC DEVELOPMENT
ECONOMIC DEVELOPMENT
ECONOMIC DEVELOPMENT
The promotion of sustainable economic growth and prosperity that benefits the communities along the South Platte River while preserving its cultural and environmental integrity.
RESILIENCY
RESILIENCY
RESILIENCY
The implementation of strategies and initiatives to enhance the resilience of the South Platte River and its surrounding communities in the face of environmental, social, and economic challenges.
INCLUSION
RESILIENCY
RESILIENCY
Embracing the interconnectedness of culture, spirit, water, and land to create a harmonious and diverse community that respects the inherent value and significance of each element.