City Cast Denver

Downtown's Ups and Downs, Liquor License Losers, and Mesa Verde's Massive Repatriation

September 15, 2026·31 min
Episode Description from the Publisher

Thirty-six years after the passage of the Native American Graves Protection and Repatriation Act, Mesa Verde National Park is returning more than 4,000 objects and remains of family members to their rightful Native American communities. So, what took so long? Westword Editor Emeritus Patty Calhoun joins host Bree Davies to talk about these repatriation moves and what it means in the bigger picture of how Colorado honors its Native history. Plus, they discuss Alterra’s move to the old Denver Post building, the brawl that got the Nativ Hotel and Gatsby’s Social shut down, and how much they wish the old Hard Rock Cafe would become a local music venue.  Bree talked about Sam Tabachnik’s reporting for the Denver Post on the looted relics from southeast Asia once in the Denver Art Museum’s possession. She also mentioned a story she wrote about 16th Street back in 2014 for Westword and our podcast episode on the now-closed North American Indian Cultures Hall at the Denver Museum of Nature and Science. Patty has written extensively about the Sand Creek Massacre and History Colorado’s ongoing work to get the story straight.  For even more news from around the city, subscribe to our morning newsletter at denver.citycast.fm. Follow us on Instagram: @citycastdenver Chat with other listeners on Reddit: r/CityCastDenver Support City Cast Denver by becoming a member! What do you think about Mesa Verde’s repatriation of Native objects? Text or leave us a voicemail with your name and neighborhood, and you might hear it on the show: 720-500-5418 Learn more about the sponsors of this September 15th episode: Arvada Center Denver Health Denver Botanic Garden Clyfford Still Museum Cozy Earth - Use code COZYDENVER for up to 20% off Looking to advertise on City Cast Denver? Check out our options for podcast and newsletter ads at citycast.fm/advertise

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