Ute Tribes come together for Bear Dance

Friday - May 30, 2025 by Jeremy Wade Shockley | The Southern Ute Drum
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Dominick GoodTracks and Melanie Seibel pair up for a dance on the final afternoon of the Southern Ute Bear Dance.
Southern Ute elder and former Council member, Marjorie Borst, is dressed to impress on opening day of the Southern Ute Bear Dance.
Alyas Maez, sits alongside his son, Adonis Maez (center) and Urijah Morris (left) at the growler box for the opening of the Southern Ute Bear Dance.
Malene Avila, a member of the Ute Indian Tribe from Ft. Duchesne, Utah keeps in step with the partner, stepping to the rhythm of the growlers.
The Catman keeps a close watch on dancers throughout the weekend.
Tribal youth eagerly line up facing their chosen partners, donning ornate beadwork, scarves and colorful shawls. These young Bear Dancers filled the corral throughout the weekend.
Southern Ute tribal elder and USAF Veteran, Austin Box sings Bear Dance songs on Monday morning, opening up the four-day spring celebration. Box turned 95 years old this month, participating in both the powwow and Memorial Day programs over the weekend.
Dancers wait for the singers to start the song during the Southern Ute Bear Dance.
Malia White Thunder and Olyvia Watts dance off to the side during the Southern Ute Bear Dance.
Dancers break during the Bear Dance on Sunday, May 25 at the Southern Ute Bear Dance Grounds.
Editor of the Southern Ute Drum Newspaper, Jeremy Wade Shockley dances with Zuriah Baker at the Southern Ute Bear Dance held over Memorial Day weekend.
Thunder Windy Boy dances with his partners during the Southern Ute Bear Dance
Photo Credit: Jeremy Wade Shockley | The Southern Ute Drum
Photo Credit: Jeremy Wade Shockley | The Southern Ute Drum
Photo Credit: Jeremy Wade Shockley | The Southern Ute Drum
Photo Credit: Jeremy Wade Shockley | The Southern Ute Drum
Photo Credit: Jeremy Wade Shockley | The Southern Ute Drum
Photo Credit: Jeremy Wade Shockley | The Southern Ute Drum
Photo Credit: Jeremy Wade Shockley | The Southern Ute Drum
Photo Credit: Krista Richards | The Southern Ute Drum
Photo Credit: Krista Richards | The Southern Ute Drum
Photo Credit: Krista Richards | The Southern Ute Drum
Photo Credit: Krista Richards | The Southern Ute Drum
Photo Credit: Krista Richards | The Southern Ute Drum
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The Southern Ute Bear Dance is highly anticipated each year in Ignacio; the celebration took place Friday, May 23 – Monday, May 26. This spring celebration brings tribes together from throughout the region, including the Ute sister tribes, who travel from Towaoc, Colo. and Utah for the Bear Dance. Bear Dance Chief, Matthew Box keeps a sharp eye on the ceremony throughout the weekend, which kicks off with a blessing and first dance by the Southern Ute Indian Montessori students each year!  

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