The Healing Spirits aftercare program held a Responsible Fatherhood Walk Saturday, June 18. The walk began in Veterans Memorial Park with a song by Daymien Aguilar. A potluck lunch was served in Ute Park following the walk.

Nathan Strong Elk reads a proclamation signed by the Southern Ute Tribe recognizing Saturday, June 18 as Native American Responsible Fatherhood Day.

Angelo Aguilar accepts a certificate from Nathan Strong Elk and a copy of the proclamation signed by the Southern Ute Tribe declaring Saturday, June 18 Fatherhood Day.

Jeremy Rock accepts a copy of a proclamation from Nathan Strong Elk, signed by the Southern Ute Tribe declaring June 18, Fatherhood Day.

Southern Ute elder, Ula Gregory shakes Daymien Aguilar’s hand after he sung a song on his hand drum.

Nathan Strong Elk leads the walkers from Veterans Memorial Park.

The 2-mile fatherhood walk had about 20 participants, who walked along the Silva fields, along the Pine River briefly before heading back to Peaceful Spirit.

A Mule Deer doe was spotted by the Silva fields during the walk, the walkers took this as a good sign during the Fatherhood Walk.

Walkers pass the Silva fields on the south side before heading north along the Pine River.

Walkers gradually walk the incline just east of the SunUte Community Center on the way back to Peaceful Spirit.

Southern Ute elder Ula Gregory shakes hands with other walkers who completed the walk back to Peaceful Spirit. A potluck lunch was held for the walkers at the Ute Park.

Photo Credit: Robert L. Ortiz | The Southern Ute Drum