We respectfully acknowledge that Durango School District 9-R is located on lands and territories taken from the NĂșuchiu (Ute) people. This land is also the ancestral home of or served as a site of trade, gathering, or healing for Apache, Pueblo, DinĂ©, and other nations. We recognize and honor these peoples and nations as traditional stewards of this land and water and respect their enduring relationship with it.