Dear Members, 

As we enter the month of November, a time that is traditionally associated with gratitude, reflection, and gathering with loved ones, I want to take a moment to express my heartfelt appreciation for each of you. This has been a year of challenges and growth, both for our legal community and the world around us, but it has also been a year of immense strength, resilience, and cooperation. We continue to navigate an evolving legal landscape, yet our commitment to upholding justice and serving our communities remains unwavering.

November also brings us to Thanksgiving, a time to pause and reflect on the many blessings in our personal and professional lives. As lawyers, we often find ourselves immersed in the demands of our work, but it is crucial to remember the impact we have, not only on the cases we handle but also on the lives we touch. Whether it’s through providing pro bono service, supporting colleagues, or mentoring the next generation of legal professionals, each of you contributes to the betterment of our profession and society.

However, it’s important to remember that Thanksgiving, as it is traditionally celebrated, carries with it a history that is deeply intertwined with the experiences of Native peoples in North America. For many Indigenous communities, the Thanksgiving holiday is a time of reflection on the painful legacy of colonization, displacement, and the genocide that Indigenous peoples endured.

While the modern observance of Thanksgiving often focuses on themes of family, togetherness, and gratitude, it is equally important to acknowledge and honor the history that has shaped this day. This recognition offers an opportunity to reflect on the injustices of the past and consider how we can contribute to healing and reconciliation in the present.

As lawyers, we are in a unique position to help foster dialogue, understanding, and change in our communities, and it is incumbent upon us to acknowledge the full scope of history while continuing to work towards a future rooted in justice and respect for all. 

In the spirit of Thanksgiving, let us not only express gratitude for the blessings in our own lives but also remember those who are still suffering from the legacies of historical wrongs. It is a time for all of us to consider how we can use our skills and influence to advocate for equity, justice, and healing—whether through our work, our pro bono efforts, or in our personal lives. 

I want to take this opportunity to thank each of you for your dedication to the law, to your communities, and to the values that continue to define our profession. We are more than just colleagues; we are a network of professionals dedicated to making a difference in the world, and that is something to be truly thankful for.

I also want to extend my gratitude to our association’s leadership team, and staff, for your ongoing support and dedication. Without your commitment, our continued success would not be possible.

As we celebrate Thanksgiving this year, I encourage you to not only enjoy time with family and friends but also to engage in reflection; on the history of this land, on the challenges faced by Indigenous communities, and on how we, as individuals and as a legal community, can help create a more just and equitable society for all.

Wishing you and your loved ones a safe, meaningful, and thoughtful Thanksgiving.

Warm regards,

Annie Martínez

We recognize that Indigenous peoples are the original stewards of the land on which we live and work today. Denver was built on the ancestral territories of the Arapaho, Cheyenne, and Ute nations. We honor their enduring presence, culture, and sovereignty, as well as their ongoing contributions to this landscape and community. We also acknowledge the painful history of displacement and the continued marginalization and erasure of Indigenous peoples and cultures. The DBA remains committed to deepening our understanding of and support for Indigenous communities.