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Southwest Colorado Canyons Alliance fosters awareness and appreciation of the landscape and cultural heritage of Canyons of the Ancients National Monument through collaboration with the Bureau of Land Management.
Dear Friends,
As we head into the heart of summer, I’m reflecting on the incredible energy and momentum building across all of our programs--and it’s all thanks to supporters like you.
Our summer calendar is full of opportunities to connect, learn, and celebrate the cultural and natural wonders of Canyons of the Ancients National Monument. From the Four Corners Lecture Series to hands-on cultural demonstrations and volunteer opportunities, there’s something for everyone to experience.
Behind the scenes, our Cultural Site Stewardship Program continues to monitor and help protect over 100 irreplaceable archaeological sites with the help of dedicated volunteers.
All of this is made possible through your support. We invite you to make a donation that directly fuels this important work. Whether it’s $10 or $100, every gift helps us preserve, protect, and share this extraordinary landscape.
If you haven’t already, check out our online shop, where you can pick up a commemorative 25th Anniversary t-shirt—a great way to show your love for the Monument and support our mission at the same time.
Thank you for being part of this community. We can’t wait to see you at an upcoming event!
With gratitude,
Markleigh Swanson Executive Director Southwest Colorado Canyons Alliance
Members and staff of SCCA helped the Bureau of Land Management (BLM) staff celebrate the 25th anniversary of the designation of Canyons of the Ancients National Monument (CANM) last month. This area of southwest Colorado contains the highest known density of archeological sites in the United States. President Clinton signed a proclamation on June 9, 2000, based on the Antiquities Act of 1906 with the intent to protect and preserve those special resources. At that time, he also stipulated that the 164,000-acre monument be managed by the US Department of Interior, Bureau of Land Management. Although not the first monument to be managed by the BLM (Grand Staircase NM, 1996), that decision stepped away from the predominant situation of the National Park Service being the managing agency. Note: For more information about the designation of CANM, check out the very well written and detailed report, History and Intent of the Proclamation for Canyons of the Ancients National Monument, by Kristina L. Woodall.
To celebrate, the BLM and SCCA coordinated a dedication of the new interpretation signs installed out at Painted Hand Pueblo on Saturday June 7. A brief history and walking tour were provided by Vincent MacMillan, BLM archaeologist, and Victoria Atkins, former lead interpretive specialist and longtime volunteer at the museum and visitor center.
SCCA followed that up with a social gathering at Wildedge Brewing Collective. Wildedge Owner/Brewer, Tucker Robinson, made a special recipe beer that represented elements of the monument including sagebrush, and appropriately named, Sage and Stone. Artist Katie O'Meara, approved the use of one of her paintings of the monument as the background of the label for the canned beer. Some of the proceeds from the sales of the beer are being donated to SCCA.
I’m sure many of you, as I do, know how fortunate we are to live in this area and be able to pretty freely explore the public lands with such incredible resources. If you want to get more involved in helping to support the management of this unique national monument, don’t hesitate to contact Markleigh Swanson, Mark Nelson, or myself. Thanks for your donations and contributions of your time.
Don Hoffheins SCCA Board Chair
Art Market Recap Thank you to everyone who joined us for the Four Corners Indigenous Art Market on June 28! We were honored to host 17 talented artists from across the region and welcomed approximately 450 attendees throughout the day. The event was filled with incredible art, meaningful conversations, and community connection. We’re grateful to all the artists, volunteers, and partners who made it possible—and to everyone who showed up to support Indigenous creativity and culture.
Upcoming Events
But wait, there's more! Mark your calendars:
More ways to help!
Visit Our Online Store! Looking for a meaningful gift or a way to support SCCA? Check out our online store, where you’ll find unique items that celebrate the beauty and heritage of CANM, including the stunning 2025 Stanton Englehart calendar. Proceeds from your purchases directly support our programs.
Consider making a lasting impact on the preservation of the Canyons of the Ancients by including Southwest Colorado Canyons Alliance in your will or estate planning. Your bequest, whether large or small, will help protect these treasured landscapes and their cultural heritage for future generations.
If you haven’t created a will or are thinking of updating it, now is a great time to consult with your attorney or financial advisor to ensure your wishes are clearly expressed.
If you have any questions or need more information, please feel free to reach out.
Follow the directions on the page and select Southwest Colorado Canyons Alliance either by name or use this code, WM546;
Don’t have a City Market loyalty card? No worries. New Users can easily create an account! This just requires some basic information, a valid email address and a loyalty card number or phone number.
REMEMBER, you must scan your registered City Market loyalty card or use the phone number that is related to your registered City Market loyalty card when you checkout for each purchase to count. Thank-you!
Help Southwest Colorado Canyons Alliance Raise Much-Needed Funds for free!
Every time you shop at any of the 1,800+ online stores in the iGive network, a portion of the money you spend benefits Southwest Colorado Canyons Alliance. It’s a free service, and you’ll never pay more when you reach a store through iGive. To get started, just create your free iGive account.
Looking for another way to give? Southwest Colorado Canyons Alliance is proud to partner with ShopRaise. From groceries and apparel to technology and travel – a percentage of almost everything you buy using the ShopRaise app goes to support our cause. Click to download and start supporting us with every purchase: https://ShopRaise.com/support/swcocanyons
Thank you for supporting Southwest Colorado Canyons Alliance and Canyons of the Ancients National Monument!
Thank you for your support!*
Thank you to our members and supporters who donated between May 1 and May 31, 2025.
We appreciate your support!
Anonymous Donor Carol Andersen Carol Bylsma Cynthia Campbell First Southwest Bank Sue Fischer Cheryl Ford Don Hoffheins Kinsels Navajo Pottery & Jewelry Jennifer Rasmussen Peter & Marian Rohman Barry Spear Ken & Joyce Stevenson Adrian Wall
Deep Gratitude to our Sustaining Members
Thank you for providing SCCA with a steady stream of support!
Steve Barker Melissa Blackwell Ken Boucher Caroline Brown & Tom Ferrell Chris & Lou Burkett Tris & Bruce Downer Terri Helm Erik Hendrickson Don & Nancy Hoffheins Diane McBride Vincent Miller Dan Miller Gregory Munson Marcie Ryan Cynthia Sadler Michael Stillman Markleigh Swanson Carol Taylor & Cliff Giffen John Thyfault David & KD Umbarger
Thank You to our current Corporate Sponsors and Grant Funders!
Sincere thanks to all our supporters!
*SCCA processed contributions from new and renewing annual and sustaining members and donors named in this newsletter between May 1, 2025 and May 31, 2025. Corporate support and grants listed in this newsletter were given between May 1, 2024 and May 1, 2025. Please accept our sincerest apologies if your name or company is not listed here or if we have not yet processed your donation.
Visit Canyons of the Ancients National Monument For more information about visiting CANM go to this link.
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