Resident generated news about Lakewood, Colorado
Resident generated news about Lakewood, Colorado
Denver American Indian Festival 3rd Annual Celebration in Lakewood
The DAIF will hold its annual Denver American Indian Festival on Oct. 11, 2025, at Lakewood United Methodist Church (1390 Brentwood, Lakewood, CO 80214) from 10 am to 5 pm.
The family-friendly free event features music, crafts, food, dance, and interactive workshops. Festival highlights will feature performances by renowned Native musicians/dancers, including national recording artist Shelley Morningsong & Fabian Fontenelle, Seven Falls Indian Dancers, and Azteca Grupo Huitzilopochtli, among others. Authentic fry bread vendors and Native crafters will also be on hand to provide an experience that reflects the diverse culture of Colorado’s many indigenous communities.
Carrie Howell, chair of DAIF, said, “This is our third year to hold the event at the Lakewood United Methodist Church. This amazing space houses a collective of artistic creatives who strive to bring culture and art to the community.”Shelley and Fabian are international performers who have spent over 30 years traveling worldwide to educate and entertain audiences about Native American Culture. ‘They represent the best of the best. For us, it is a huge blessing to be able to host them,” added Howell.
The Denver American Indian Festival is a 100% volunteer-run 501(c)3. Since 2014, the Denver American Indian Festival has brought a celebration of American Indian culture, arts, and history to all Denver Metro communities. The festival’s location in Lakewood was in response to the growing desire of DAIF and Jefferson County residents to diversify the area’s outreach to communities of color and provide an opportunity to celebrate a pre-kickoff to Native American Heritage Month( which runs Nov. 1-30). Howell stated that since the official month is packed with many competing Metro area events, the DAIF wanted to give residents a chance to take in a low-key event where families can relax and enjoy the experience in an intimate setting.
Ron Gehauf , of the Colorado Folk Arts Council (one of the festival’s sponsors) applauded Lakewood United Methodist Church for their staunch support of promoting arts and culture along the “West of Wadsworth” area of the district. “ This festival is just one of many ways this amazing facility is impacting the 40 West Arts Dist. They house the Genesis Gallery, a plethora of resident artists and cultural groups. This festival is one among many activities this church has committed to providing for the community.” Other festival supporters include CHAC, MSU Denver JTOH, West Colfax Community Association, Jeff-Co SCFD, and Denver Foundation.
The free festival runs from Saturday. Oct. 11th from 10 am – 5 pm
For more info, visit denveramericanindianfestival.org
Shelley Morningsong (N. Cheyenne) is an acclaimed Native singer and songwriter of 20 years who has been the recipient of many Native American Music Awards including 2019’s “Artist of the Year.” Fabian Fontenelle (Zuni/Omaha) is an original member of the American Indian Dance Theatre and has worked as a consultant and performer for Steven Spielberg’s miniseries, Into the West, PBS’ “Great Performances”, and the History Channel.
Fabian Fontenelle is Zuni/Omaha. He was born in Zuni Pueblo, New Mexico, but he also has family in Nebraska. Fabian is the great, great-grandson of the famed Chief Big Elk of the Omaha people.
Fabian complements The Shelley Morningsong Band by adding what has been a long history of delighting audiences from his countless travels around the world. With powerful dance performances intertwined with traditional storytelling, Fabian depicts a profound imagery of a “Spirit World” pronouncing the spoken word of his ancestors in his fluent Native Zuni Language. A performance by Fabian Fontenelle is a show in itself, a captivating display of ancient sacred songs, dancing, drumming, and hand-crafted regalia adorned with the intricacy of hand-beading and more.
Fabian is an original member of the American Indian Dance Theatre, and also provided masterwork choreography and performances with two-time Grammy Award-winning Taos Pueblo, NM acclaimed artist Robert Mirabal.