Throughout Indian Country, powwow season is making a full return this summer – dancers, singers, and powwow spectators make their way to this year’s Northern Ute 4th of July Powwow Celebration held annually in Fort Duchesne, Utah. The celebration featured a variety of events for all attendees including; competition dancing and singing, hand games, parade, fun run and walk. Beginning on Friday, June 30 this celebration continued throughout the weekend with its last day ending on Sunday, July 2.
Southern Ute veteran Raymond Baker (U.S. Navy retired) shares a laugh with fellow veterans before the Grand Entry during the Saturday afternoon session of the Northern Ute 4th of July Powwow in Ft. Duchesne, Utah. Donning war bonnets, a high honor, these veterans lead all of the dancers participating in this year’s powwow. Beginning on Friday, June 30 this celebration continued throughout the weekend with its last day ending on Sunday, July 2.
Veterans of the Ute Indian Tribe, Ute Mountain Ute Tribe, and the Southern Ute Indian Tribe bring in the colors and their respective tribal flags. These veterans march side by side during the Saturday afternoon session of this year’s Northern Ute 4th of July Powwow in Fort Duchesne, Utah.
Northern Host Drum for this year’s celebration Wooden Face, hailing from Saskatchewan, Canada, sing a Grand Entry song, helping to keep the dancers moving as they filter into the dance floor. Southern Host Drum for this year was Blazing Bear, champion singers from Okmulgee, Okla.
Jr. Men’s Traditional Dancer looks into the arena before the competition dancing Saturday night live of the Northern Ute 4th of July Powwow. Dancers showcase their best regalia and dance moves during each competition session.
Rows and rows of competing hand game teams fill the hand game section of the Northern Ute 4th of July Powwow. Nena Lopez and family sing their best songs and showcase their skills during the Hamilton Bush Memorial Hand-game Tournament and open games.
Photo Credit: Divine Windy Boy | SU Drum
Photo Credit: Divine Windy Boy | SU Drum
Photo Credit: Divine Windy Boy | SU Drum
Photo Credit: Divine Windy Boy | SU Drum
Photo Credit: Divine Windy Boy | SU Drum
