**Colorado’s ‘NDN Santa’: Bringing Joy, Diversity, and Culture to the Christmas Season**
Rick Waters, known as the executive director of the Denver Indian Center, has been spreading holiday cheer for over two decades as Colorado’s unique ‘NDN Santa’. Aiming to infuse the Christmas spirit with cultural pride and representation, Waters’ portrayal of NDN Santa—a term affectionately derived from ‘Indian Santa’—is enhanced with traditional beadwork, a feathered headdress, and a contemporary pair of sunglasses, bringing a special twist to the holiday festivities.
### A Cultural Icon in the Making
NDN Santa was born in 1999, somewhat serendipitously, during a dinner event for elders at the Denver Indian Center. Rick Waters, of Kiowa and Cherokee descent, was asked to stand in as Santa on short notice. Thrilled by the positive reception, Waters grew into the role, quickly becoming a cherished figure among the Denver Native American community.
Waters’ Santa, proudly adorned in a suit that reflects his heritage, champions inclusivity for Native children and elders during the Christmas season, a time when diverse representations of Santa remain scarce. According to Waters, “Representation matters. It’s about promoting and instilling pride.” His endeavor ensures that Native children can see themselves reflected in the joy and magic of the season.
### Impacting Local Communities
For the Native American communities across Colorado, the presence of NDN Santa signifies more than holiday cheer; it is a powerful reminder of cultural visibility amidst a broader American tapestry. As Waters explains, “We are all Americans, but Indians are the first Americans.” Through this role, Waters works to break down stereotypes and ensure that indigenous stories and traditions remain vibrant and acknowledged, especially during festive times.
Diverse Santa representations, including Black, Latino, and Asian Santas, are on the rise nationwide. However, Native American Santas like Waters’ NDN Santa remain a rarity, highlighting his portrayal’s importance. Many elders in Colorado, relocated to cities like Denver through the 1956 Indian Relocation Act, find comfort and nostalgia in Waters’ character. His portrayal brings fond memories of childhood and a robust reminder of cultural heritage.
### The Broader Significance
The Denver Indian Center, from where Waters operates, provides essential educational, cultural, and social services to local Native communities. Since the 1960s, it has stood as a beacon of cultural engagement and identity, aiding in local impact and fostering community interest. NDN Santa is an extension of this role, offering new generations a chance to connect with their heritage.
NDN Santa’s journeys across Colorado, visiting schools and community centers, are more than festive appearances—they are acts of cultural affirmation. Young audiences, charmed by the feathers and beadwork, approach NDN Santa with fascination. Waters notes, “Babies always want to grab the feathers.” His appearances draw large crowds eager to understand and appreciate Native American culture and heritage.
### Future Implications
Looking to the future, Waters envisions a society where the question of representation is met with continued progress and celebration of cultural diversity. His portrayal of NDN Santa is a significant step in promoting understanding and connection across different communities, setting a model for inclusive representation during the holidays.
This conception of a culturally-rich Santa Claus is timely and harmonizes with growing calls for equity and inclusion across U.S. communities—a conversation particularly relevant to areas like Colorado, where diverse populations form the social fabric. As cultural diversity in festive figures becomes more mainstream, the effects may ripple beyond the holiday season, fostering year-long appreciation and recognition of varying cultural identities.
### Community Resources
Waters’ work and the Denver Indian Center’s programs are essential resources for those interested in learning more about Native cultures during the holiday season and beyond. The center remains a haven where Native identity thrives, offering cultural events, educational resources, and a steadfast commitment to its community members. Local residents and those interested in engaging further with the center’s activities can visit or participate in public forums and cultural events frequently organized by the center.
Rick Waters’ endeavor as ‘NDN Santa’ clearly demonstrates the power of representation and its ability to foster cultural pride and wider recognition. Through this role, he reminds his community—and Colorado—of the importance of visibility, understanding, and inclusion, ensuring that every child, elder, and family can embrace the season with joy and a strong sense of belonging.
