The City of Longmont invites the community to experience “Where We Meet: Stories of Healing and Hope,” a short documentary that tells the powerful story of connection and friendship between Longmont seniors and Northern Arapaho elders from the Wind River Reservation in Wyoming.

The video chronicles a historic exchange that began in March 2025, when Northern Arapaho elders traveled to Longmont which is built on land that was once inhabited by their ancestors. Longmont seniors then visited the Wind River Reservation the following July.

Through stunning visuals, personal moments and shared experiences, “Where We Meet” honors the lasting friendships formed and highlights the importance of learning and connecting across cultures. The video is now available at https://bit.ly/elder-video.

The Elder Exchange program brings elders together to honor, preserve and share wisdom across Native and non-Native communities, with a focus on building lasting relationships among elders and their families. The program grew from a Sister Cities relationship established in 2021 between the City of Longmont and the Northern Arapaho Tribe. It was the first Sister Cities relationship between a U.S. city and a sovereign tribal nation.

“We feel extremely honored to be able to help build these life-changing connections,” said Senior Services Manager Ronnie Maynes. “We hope to promote healing and reconciliation by acknowledging past traumas, both personal and historical, and to highlight the hopes we share for our communities and children.”

During the March 2025 visit to Longmont, Northern Arapaho elders and their families participated in a series of events including a welcome dinner at the Longmont Museum, a visit to the History Colorado Center’s Sand Creek Massacre exhibit and attendance at the Denver March Powwow. In July 2025, Longmont seniors traveled to the Wind River Reservation where they visited the Thermopolis hot springs and Sinks Canyon State Park, learned about the Wind River Tribal Buffalo Initiative  and were honored guests at the Ethete Powwow.

The Elder Exchange will continue in 2026, with Northern Arapaho elders scheduled to visit Longmont July 15–19. Longmont seniors are also planning a return visit to the Wind River Reservation later this summer.

Community members are encouraged to watch “Where We Meet” and learn more about the Elder Exchange program at longmontcolorado.gov/elder.

Contact Jill Lis, Sr. Communications and Marketing Manager at jill.lis@longmontcolorado.gov with questions about the video.