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Zora Susanne "Susie" Aikman, beloved friend, artist, author, AlterNative Voices Public radio host, and floor director at Colorado Public Television for more than 20 years, died peacefully on June 21, the Summer Solstice, surrounded by friends who loved and cared for her during her struggle with cancer. Susie, Eastern Band Cherokee, was born on January 1, 1945 to parents Herb and Zora. Born in Dayton, OH, she attended Columbus College of Art and Design, Ohio State University and Metropolitan State University in Denver. She is the author of "A Primer: The Art of Native American Beadwork" and founder of AlterNative Voices, a Native American music and news radio show on Denver's KUVO-FM for more than 20 years. She was influential in launching the careers of many Native musicians. Through her weekly program, she introduced Native American music to thousands of people around the world. Susie said she founded AlterNative Voices so "our people could communicate." Many listeners met Susie at pow-wows, festivals and church events where she sold books and music to introduce many to Native culture, tradition and music. A lifelong Methodist and a national Native American ministry leader in the United Methodist Church, Susie served on many UMC national boards, including the Native American International Caucus and the Rocky Mountain Conference Committee on Native American Ministries. She was most proud of her work over the last 20 years with the descendants of the Sand Creek Massacre and a bridge towards healing the United Methodist Church with the descendants. It was Susie who notified the Northern and Southern Cheyenne communities that Silas Soule was buried at Riverside Cemetery in Denver. Soule served under the command of John Chivington. He defied orders to attack at Sand Creek, bore witness to the horror, wrote letters and gave testimony in the Congressional inquiry that brought the atrocities to light. Susie created the first Honoring Ceremony for Silas Soule at Riverside Cemetery in 2002 with organizers of the Sand Creek Run. Susie was also a participant in a first ever innovative project: the 2010 Census Tribal Road Tour. Traveling throughout the western US, she posted photos and commentary from the specially equipped vehicle fondly called "War Paint" as Native people were encouraged to be counted. She brought communities together and helped all understand everyone makes a difference. Susie is survived by many friends, colleagues and a circle of women who cared for her during her illness and final journey. A Celebration of Life service will be held at Wheat Ridge United Methodist Church, 7530 W. 38th Ave., Wheat Ridge on Thursday, July 3 at 10:00am. A community feast will follow after the service. Memorial gifts can be made to the Susie Aikman Memorial Scholarship for Native American Students at Iliff School of Theology, 2201 S. University Blvd., Denver, CO 80210, or to any Native American health organization that is committed to caring for Native people.
To plant trees in memory, please visit the Sympathy Store.
Susie was a very talented woman, with a giving heart. She had edited a story we had written "Braids". At our Annual Conference, the story was told for the first time and filmed. Susie didn't receive the recording before her crossing over. We still have her edits on the story. Every time the story is told, her voice echos in our ears.
RagghiRain Calentine
Friend
June 23, 2020
I am so sorry to read of your loss, may you find comfort in your memories of your loved one. May God's Word at John 6:40 be a comfort to you all in your time of sorrow.
June 24, 2015
My sincerest condolences to the Aikman Family. May the Hearer of Prayer be of comfort to you at this time. (Psalms 83:18)
June 21, 2015
Gloria Pruitt
December 2, 2014
It was an honor and a pleasure to have known Susie, her care and concern for humankind and her intent of always doing the right thing is rare and sincerely will be missed. We will see you in the spirit world, good bye Susie and thank you for all you have done.
Roger Mitchell
Roger Mitchell
August 3, 2014
Susie, you were a good friend and you taught me a lot of things about Native music, art and culture. You were also the one who inspired me to start airing a radio show in Sweden, a show about Native American and First Nations music and culture. Thanks for everything and we will meet again.
Mia Lindqvist
July 17, 2014
You will be missed.
Elaine Fritzinger
July 8, 2014
Thought of you a lot since High School. Will miss you! Gloria Pruitt
July 6, 2014
Suzie, you are a great role model for our Native people. Many people have learned from your example of being a good and kind person. Thanks for your friendship and support.
Barbara A. Sutteer
Sun Lakes, AZ
Cherokee Nation of Oklahoma
July 5, 2014
Susie, I'm sitting here and looking at your picture and I still have a hard time Believing, you have crossed over. A thought came to me, your going to be watching over each and everyone of us. I still hear your voice and will remember your teachings...
RagghiRain Calentine
July 1, 2014
My deepest condolences. She will be missed.
Ms. Bo Bonner-Johnson
July 1, 2014
I will miss seeing you at Powwows and your voice every Sunday! Rest in peace Susy knowing how much you impacted all of us!
Peggy Brown
July 1, 2014
May you be at peace Susie. You touched so many hearts with your music.
Mary Alicea
June 30, 2014
Susie, one thing for sure is that you will not be forgotten. You were a hard worker. Now may you rest from your labors and just be wrapped in the livings arms of God almighty forever.
Tweedy Evelene Sombrero
June 30, 2014
A part of me is gone with Susie. We had wonderful times together..laughing, crying and working hard. I will miss seeing her when I go to Denver. I know she is having a great time with John!!! Save me a place!!!
Cyndi Kent
June 30, 2014
Susie, You were a friend always and my family and I will never forget you. Your giving spirit, love, and smile will be missed always. My heart hurts but I know you are at peace, no longer in pain, and with your Lord. Thank you for all you did to make our world a better place.
Nancy Butterfield
June 30, 2014
My condolences to the family of Zora, she will be missed by many, but know that sickness of all kind will be gone forever. Isa. 33:24 says that "no resident will say, "I am sick"' until then may GOD bring you peace at this time of sorrow.
Rose
June 29, 2014
Susie, I will miss you so much. For over a decade I listened to your wonderful program every Sunday without fail. It was my special church service -- sharing in the voices, history and stories of native peoples. It was very important to me. Thank you so much for your devotion and your voice. With great respect, Heather
heather wood
June 29, 2014
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