Colorado Voices

Colorado is one of the top three states with the most photographers among our population. From portraits, to old-school technology to astrophotography the photographers in our state hope to capture moments in time and communicate at least one thousand words in one picture.

The Rocky Mountains split Colorado along the Continental Divide separating water distribution among other elements. Geographically, the western side of the divide takes up about a third of the state and only about 10 percent of the state’s population. But there are a wide range of people, perspectives and voices to share from the Western Slope. We want to start with this collection of stories.

Colorado and the country are facing a nursing shortage exacerbated by the pandemic. Surveys show about half of nurses have considered leaving their job and feel under appreciated. In an effort to show them some appreciation, here are some of the stories and voices of nurses across the state.

Misleading land deals define Costilla County in a history of resource speculation going back to the area’s second wave of settlement. In 1864, the once million-acre Mexican land grant became property of the U.S. and was sectioned off as the area’s first subdivided estates. The resulting clashes from commodification of natural resource systems remain some of the area's longest and strongest battles.

History repeats itself as cheap and falsely marketed subdivided land parcels continue to be misleadingly sold in the high desert of Costilla County. Generation after generation, hopefuls dream of owning their own Colorado ranch — then face the harsh realities of life on this lonesome prairie. As the cost of living skyrockets, more people are trying to survive on these isolated, barren lands.

As we work to create a Colorado where everyone feels seen and heard, so many have trusted Rocky Mountain PBS to be a platform for their voices and their stories. From overcoming physical and emotional obstacles, these Coloradans shared their perspectives on the world around them and what's important to them. Get to know your neighbors, near and far in this episode featuring your stories.

RedLine’s Reach: Core Artist program eliminates many of the barriers aspiring artists face when pursuing their dreams. In turn, artists who face societal stigmas are given a place to be their true selves, and inspire others to do the same. Whether it’s developmental disabilities, traumatic life circumstances or financial issues, nothing gets between the Reach Core Artists and their dreams.

March 31st is an international celebration of Transgender Day of Visibility, which honors transgender and non-binary people around the world. It's also a moment to acknowledge the courage it takes to live open and authentically. Rocky Mountain PBS is sharing the voices of folks we've met who can share in the challenges and successes of being themselves.

Colorado college student Ellie White has Wolfram Syndrome. But she says the extremely rare terminal genetic disorder does not have her. She and her mother Beth have made it their mission to fund research of rare genetic disorders and that mission has taken them all over the country.

Centuries after its unjust and disturbing creation, a book in possession of the Iliff School of Theology has been at the center of discussions with Lenape Nation Elders. Last year, the two groups met to talk about how they can address this shaded past. One year after guiding Iliff with suggested steps to move forward, Lenape Elders return to the school to talk about what progress has been made.

Celebrating voices of the LGBTQ+ community is part of our constant mission to create a Colorado where everyone feels seen and heard. During the month of June we pay special attention as a reminder that Pride started as an act of resistance to affirm, honor and celebrate all identities in our state.

With more than 400 stories told this year from around Colorado, Rocky Mountain PBS is celebrating the impact those voices created. As 2023 comes to a close, we've picked five stories to highlight in our year-end Colorado Voices episode. From a hero's journey to life atop a fire lookout to an interview with famous nature photographer John Fielder before his death, we hope to bring connections.