Ben Ridgley: “Arapaho History and Presence in Colorado”

Ben Ridgley is an esteemed Arapaho elder, great-grandson of Chief Little Raven. A former Tribal Historic Preservation officer for the Northern Arapaho Nation, Ridgley currently serves on the Executive Board of the Wyoming Historical Society. As an expert on the history of the Sand Creek Massacre, Ridgley inspired the installation of the Sand Creek Massacre trail highway marker signs in Wyoming, which he hopes to extend into Colorado. He has been a consultant with a number of Colorado institutions, including the U.S. Air Force Academy, the Colorado Springs Pioneer Museum, the cities of Boulder and Littleton, and several Colorado public schools. 

“Ben Ridgley stands as a beacon for those who believe in the power of remembering, learning, and celebrating Native heritage. His journey is a testament to resilience, leadership, and the enduring spirit of the Northern Arapaho people.”  -- Alexandra Philp, Executive Director of the Wyoming Historical Society 

“It’s hard sharing our true history, but people need to hear it… It is very encouraging to see Native history and culture getting wider acknowledgment.” – Ben Ridgley

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