393 S Harlan Street, Suite 100
Lakewood, CO, 80226

Ph: 303 871 8035
Fax: 720 884 0850

To strengthen vulnerable American Indian children and families through collaborative and culturally responsive services.

"Honoring the Tradition of Strong

Indian Families" 

The Denver Indian Family Resource Center was created to assist American Indian children and families in the metropolitan Denver area with child welfare issues. Our goal is to assist families to avoid involvement with the child welfare system. Where families have already encountered child abuse or neglect charges, we advocate for active efforts toward family reunification following the standards of the Indian Child Welfare Act. We provide culturally appropriate services and intensive case management using a strengths-based and empowerment-oriented approach.

Our definition of family includes relatives and close friends in order to recognize the reality for most Indian families. We work closely with our families and other agencies to promote responsible healing by restoring balance, nurturing pride and acknowledging the importance of the extended family and community.

Ms. Patty Morrison Memorial

Ms. Patty Morrison left many admiring friends from the Department of the Interior when she passed on October 14, 2007.  Patty was appointed by President Bush to the office of Principal Deputy Secretary of the U.S. Department of the Interior in 2002.   She had many accomplishments in her public service as she provided policy guidance on oil and gas and mineral leasing issues for the Department.  Her contributions have resulted in bringing more balanced resource protection to America’s public lands as needed energy resources are developed.

Before working in Washington D.C., Patty practiced law with The Williams Companies.  She received her undergraduate and law degrees from Baylor University and was a member of the Kappa Delta Sorority.  Patty was involved in many philanthropic organizations and was a leader in the Tulsa, Oklahoma Junior League.

In spite of her many professional accomplishments, Patty’s heart and pride were with her family and her membership in the Kaw and Osage Nations.   She and her husband Kevin were committed to the upbringing of their son, Ilya.  She was devoted to seeing that Ilya received the kind of love and care that she believed all children deserve. 

Because of Patty’s extraordinary pride in her Indian heritage and her family, her friends at the Department of the Interior believe it is fitting that a memorial fund in her name be established at the Denver Indian Family Resource Center.  The Center’s mission is to strengthen vulnerable American Indian children and families through collaborative and culturally responsive services.  Relatives and close friends are considered family as they were in Patty’s world.  It is thus fitting that her many friends can honor her by donating to the Denver Indian Family Resource Center so her generosity and spirit can live on.

 To donate, click on the Donate button on the left column.  It will guide you on how to specifically contribute to the Patty Morrison Memorial Fund. 

Patty’s many friends have established a memorial fund at the Denver Indian Family Resource Center.

There have been numerous inquiries regarding Phyllis Bigpond's situation. I hope this will provide a little clarity: This past November 25, 2007, Phyllis Bigpond had emergency brain surgery at St. Joseph's Hospital in Denver. She handled the surgery well and is recovering nicely. We expect Phyllis to be back in the office some time in April, 2008.

Thank you for your good thoughts and prayers for Phyllis' recuperation.