Dancers jam out on the last day of the White Mesa Bear Dance – Mamakwanhkapu in White Mesa marks the end of Bear Dance season each year. On Labor Day weekend, Friday, Aug. 29 through Monday, Sept. 1, members of the three Ute sister tribes traveled to be with their Weeminuche relatives in the annual celebration. Despite the heat, dancers and singers brought their best to corral during the White Mesa Bear Dance.

Pairs of dancers line up ahead of a song on Monday, Sept. 1.

Dancers swing and sway to the sounds of the Fort Duchesne singers on Monday.

Bear Dancers enjoy the sounds of growlers as they fill the corral.

Growlers are unique to each singer, but they all are used to create songs to be shared with all in attendance.

Dancers search for their favorites dance partners throughout the weekend, leading up to the last song.

Southern Ute tribal member, Keifer GoodTracks-Alires guides his dance partner through the corral on Monday.

Malene Avila Miller shows off her best moves at the White Mesa Bear Dance.

Ethan Rohde O'Leary learns the ropes of Cat Man on Monday at White Mesa Bear Dance.

Singers sit before the dancers, telling stories and sharing their songs.