Four members of Colorado’s Congressional delegation introduced legislation to rename the Mount Evans Wilderness Area to the “Mount Blue Sky Wilderness Area.”

The move follows a September decision by the U.S. Board on Geographic Names to rename the iconic mountain in Clear Creek County. That decision saw support last November from the Colorado Geographic Naming Advisory Board, as well as from Gov. Jared Polis.

Arapaho and Southern Cheyenne tribes also back the Mount Blue Sky name, although the Northern Cheyenne, who sought a different name, Mount Cheyenne Arapaho, opposes it. 

The original name honored 2nd Territorial Gov. John Evans, who tasked Colorado troops with eliminating Native peoples on Colorado’s Eastern Plains. President Andrew Johnson ordered Evans to resign as governor following an investigation of the 1864 Sand Creek Massacre, in which 230 peaceful Cheyenne women, children and elders were slaughtered by Colorado troops under the command of Col. John Chivington.

On Monday, U.S. Sens. John Hickenlooper and Michael Bennet introduced a bill to change the name to Mount Blue Sky Wilderness. U.S. Reps. Joe Neguse and Brittany Pettersen also support the legislation.  

Only Congress can authorize a change to a wilderness area name, according to their joint statement. 

The legislation is scheduled to receive a hearing before the U.S. Senate Committee on Energy and Natural Resources’ Subcommittee on Public Lands, Forests, and Mining on Oct. 25. Hickenlooper is a member of that committee.

“Renaming Mount Evans to Mount Blue Sky helped to honor and recognize the Tribes and advocates who worked hard to create change,” Hickenlooper said. “Now, renaming the wilderness area the peak overlooks is the logical next step-one we’re honored to spearhead.”

Added Bennet: “Tribes and local communities led the process to rename Mount Blue Sky – an important step to address the atrocities committed against the Cheyenne & Arapaho people. This legislation to rename the surrounding wilderness area is an important next step to reaffirm our commitment to Tribes and honor their legacy.”

Neguse said he is proud to join Hickenlooper and Bennet in introducing the legislation. That, he said, takes “another step forward in our work to honor the histories of the Cheyenne and Arapaho Tribes. The Mount Blue Sky Wilderness Act is a reflection of our dedication to remembrance, honor, and healing.” 

“Communities and tribes across Colorado have been working for years to get Mount Evans renamed to Mount Blue Sky,” added Pettersen. “Their determination and commitment have finally come to fruition. The renaming of the mountain and now, with our bill, the surrounding wilderness area, are a powerful symbol of healing and unity. Mount Blue Sky is more than just a name – it is a way to honor the Cheyenne and Arapaho peoples whose ancestors were the victims of the Sand Creek Massacre.”

Cheyenne and Arapaho Tribal Governor Reggie Wassana said the Cheyenne and Arapaho are “excited about the introduction of the name change of Mt. Evans Wilderness Area. We thank all the Colorado Congressional members for introducing the bill to help restore the wilderness area to a respectful and proper name.”

The proposed new name recognizes the Cheyenne people, whose annual ceremony of renewal of life is called Blue Sky, and the Arapaho people, who are also known as the Blue Sky People.

The measure is S. 3044.