New Leader for Effort to Plan Future American Indian Cultural Embassy

New Leader for Effort to Plan Future American Indian Cultural Embassy

Published on March 05, 2026

DENVER, CO - Ernest House, Jr., member of the Ute Mountain Ute Tribe, has been selected to lead the planning of the future American Indian Cultural Embassy in Denver. In this role, he will convene and guide a diverse advisory council of Native leaders, connect with community, and help shape a future space that celebrates and supports American Indian and Alaska Native communities.

House is director of the Center for Tribal and Indigenous Engagement at the Keystone Policy Center where he works to elevate Indigenous leadership, strengthen government-to-government relationships, and ensure Native voices help shape the policies and projects that affect their communities. The American Indian Cultural Embassy was approved for funding by voters in November 2025 as part of the Vibrant Denver Bond package.

"Ernest House Jr. brings a lifetime of leadership, integrity and commitment to Native communities to this important effort," said Denver Mayor Mike Johnston. "His experience strengthening Tribal partnerships and elevating Indigenous voices makes him uniquely qualified to help guide the vision for the American Indian Cultural Embassy. Under his leadership, this voter-approved investment will reflect the values, history and future of Denver's American Indian and Alaska Native communities, ensuring this space is shaped by and for the people it is meant to serve."

"Indigenous communities have always led with a deep understanding of land, culture, and responsibility to future generations," said Ernest House, Jr. "Efforts like this create space not only to recognize history, but to support living cultures and strengthen the role of Native leadership in shaping the future. When we approach this work with humility and partnership, we can build something lasting."

Thanks to voter-approved Vibrant Denver Bond funding, the City and County of Denver, through Human Rights & Community Partnerships (HRCP), is developing the American Indian Cultural Embassy to celebrate and support Denver's American Indian and Alaska Native communities.

House will collaborate with Denver Human Rights & Community Partnerships (HRCP) and American Indian and Alaska Native community members to guide the next phase of the project. His efforts will include recruiting a diverse advisory board representing various Tribal Nations, exploring best practices from similar cultural institutions, and identifying resources to support environmental justice initiatives for American Indian and Alaska Native communities.

"We are committed to a community-driven process that ensures Native voices lead this work," said Perla Gheiler, Executive Director of HRCP. "This project will create opportunities for connection, collaboration, and solutions that strengthen American Indian and Alaska Native communities across Denver."

Additional updates and engagement opportunities will be shared as planning continues. Click here for more information.

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• Human Rights & Community Partnerships
• Mayor
• Vibrant Denver Bond