2023 has been a great year. Creator has blessed us with ample snowfall. The spring runoff filled the lakes, rivers, and streams of the Southern Ute reservation and the local areas. This was a much-needed relief after years of drought and depleted water levels. The welcomed water reminds us to be mindful of the earth, its animals, and its elements. With the re-energizing water of spring, comes the awakening of the bear.  

As is our Ute belief, the bear was woken up out of hibernation this spring with the first Bear Dance which was in Randlett, Utah during the first week of May. Immediately after this was Ft. Duchesne, White Rocks, Southern Ute, and then Towaoc. All these Bear Dances were done in a row during consecutive weekends in May and going into June. 

The last Bear Dance is reserved for Labor Day weekend and is held in White Mesa, Utah. This is part of the Ute Mountain Reservation and is the second Ute Mountain Bear Dance of the year. It is a symbolic Bear Dance because it is considered the final one of the year. This is the last call for the bears to gather their food, corral their cubs, and settle into their dens.  

This year, the last Bear Dance song was sung Monday, Sept. 4 and lasted thirty-nine minutes. Many Southern Ute people were in attendance for the event. Our singers sang proudly and did well at representing the Tribe. Our royalty was on site and said good words as they shook hands and helped in any way possible to make the event a success. Our Bear Dancers gave their all and were prepared to take on the heat and winds, which were unusually absent this year. 

Oddly enough the blessings never seem to stop as Creator grants many gifts throughout the year. Best of all is the gathering of Ute people, friends, and family for one last dance before putting the bears back to bed.  

Sleep well. We’ll see you again in the spring.