Colorado Appoints Crisosto Apache as New Poet Laureate

Indigenous poet and professor to lead state's advocacy for poetry and literacy

Jan. 28, 2026 at 6:39pm

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Crisosto Apache, an Indigenous poet and associate professor at Rocky Mountain College of Art + Design, has been selected as Colorado's new poet laureate. Apache will serve in the role for two years, with a focus on honoring the U.S. 250th anniversary and Colorado's 150th anniversary of statehood, as well as working to help diverse youth discover poetry and collaborating with county poets laureate across the state.

Why it matters

The poet laureate position is an important role in promoting poetry, literacy, and the arts within a state. Apache's appointment highlights Colorado's commitment to elevating diverse voices and perspectives, particularly those of Indigenous artists and writers.

The details

Apache is Mescalero Apache, Chiricahua Apache and Diné (Navajo). He is the author of several poetry collections, including 'GENESIS,' 'Ghostword,' and 'is(ness).' Apache is also an editor-at-large for Offing Magazine. In his new role, he plans to place a special emphasis on honoring the United States' 250th anniversary and Colorado's 150th anniversary of statehood, as well as helping a diversity of youth discover poetry and collaborating with county poets laureate across the state.

  • Crisosto Apache was appointed as Colorado's new poet laureate on January 28, 2026.
  • Apache will serve in the role for two years.

The players

Crisosto Apache

An Indigenous poet and associate professor at Rocky Mountain College of Art + Design, who has been selected as Colorado's new poet laureate.

Jared Polis

The Governor of Colorado, who announced Apache's appointment as the state's new poet laureate.

Andrea Gibson

The late poet laureate of Colorado, who was appointed to the role in September 2023 and served until their death on July 14, 2025.

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What they’re saying

“I just want to think of those wandering the wilderness, because allowing myself to lead in this position hopefully I can shine that light so that others can be covered by that light as well.”

— Crisosto Apache, Poet Laureate of Colorado (9news.com)

“I am grateful for Andrea Gibson's service as our previous Poet Laureate and we posthumously continue to honor Andrea's artistic influence and unwavering conviction as powerfully shown in the 2026 Oscar nominated film Come See Me in the Good Light.”

— Jared Polis, Governor of Colorado (9news.com)

What’s next

Apache plans to work collaboratively with county poets laureate across Colorado during his two-year term as the state's poet laureate.

The takeaway

Crisosto Apache's appointment as Colorado's new poet laureate highlights the state's commitment to elevating diverse voices and perspectives, particularly those of Indigenous artists and writers. In his new role, Apache will focus on honoring important anniversaries, helping youth discover poetry, and collaborating with local poetry leaders across the state.