»Ê¹ÚÍøÖ·

Within the last several years, there’s been a surge in efforts across the country to challenge and remove books from library shelves. Many of the bans target books about race, racism, or LGBTQ+ characters or themes. But in some places, those challenges have expanded to include titles that discuss grief and loss, violence, and adolescent health and well-being. Poudre Libraries’ Executive Director Diane Lapierre joined In The NoCo to discuss the right to read ahead of this year’s Banned Books Week, October 1 to 7, 2023.

Thousands attended the MAPS Psychedelic Science Conference in Denver back in June. The massive turnout and the growing promise of psychedelic therapy grabbed plenty of national headlines. But most of that media coverage missed an Indigenous-led protest during the closing remarks. Boulder counselor Kuthoomi Castro, one of the protesters, explains why they spoke out.

Coloradans recently approved the legalization of certain plant-based psychedelic substances, paving the way for licensed healing centers where people can legally obtain these plant medicines in the coming years. Indigenous people have long been the historical facilitators of this kind of medicine. As this movement gains momentum in Colorado, some Indigenous healers and activists say they should be at the forefront.