The 137th Ute Mountain Ute Bear Dance, “Tuwayak Nuchi Mamakurnkap”, took place the weekend of Friday, June 5 through Monday, June 8 in Towaoc, Colo. The corral filled with dancers and spectators alike, looking to ring in the Ute new year – spring season, and the awakening of the bear. The celebration kicked off students of the UMU Child Development Center, members of Colorado Commission of Indian Affairs, and visiting Fountain-Fort Carson High School students. Members of the Southern Ute Indian Tribe traveled to Towaoc in support of their sister tribe and to enjoy yet another weekend of Bear Dance celebration.
Southern Ute tribal elders and sisters, Linda Eagle (left) and Ramona Eagle (right) dance side by side as the Catman keeps a watchful eye ahead. The corral filled with dancers and spectators alike, bringing in the Ute new year, spring season, and the awakening of the bear. The Ute Mountain Ute Tribe celebrated its 137th Bear Dance this year.
Catman keeps a watchful eye over dancers as pairs move in tandem through the corral. The Catman serves to ensure dancers stay orderly and adhere to the rules and expectations of the Bear Dance celebration.
White Mesa and Towaoc Bear Dance singers packed the growler box, sharing their songs new and old – mostly shared in the Ute language.
Singers strike their growlers at the box during the 137th Ute Mountain Bear Dance in Towaoc, Colo., from Friday, June 5 through Monday, June 8 members of the three Ute tribes, neighboring community members, and locals gathered to celebrate with each other. Dancers filled the corral each day, moving to the sounds of the growlers, showing off their best moves.
The sun sets behind the “Sleeping Ute” as Bear Dancers move to the beat on Sunday evening. As the rays fade away, dancers continue jamming through the evening.
Southern Ute tribal member, Leandra Litz (right) joins hands with Ute Mountain Ute tribal member, Tawnie Knight awaiting the start of a song on Monday afternoon.
Dancers of all ages gathered in Towaoc, Colo. for the celebration, despite the early summer heat each pair danced their hardest moving to the beat of the song.
Southern Ute tribal member, Linda Baker dances on Monday afternoon in Towaoc for the annual Ute Mountain Ute Bear Dance. Baker moves in tandem with her selected dance partner.
Southern Ute tribal member, Cyanna Whiteskunk, guides her dance partner near the growler box on Monday afternoon – showing her best moves and enjoying the song.
Southern Ute tribal member, Theoden Greany cools off in the shade in the men’s seating area of the corral. Towaoc weather reached well into 90 degrees, but despite the heat each dancer jammed out.
Southern Ute tribal member, Aubree Lucero kicks up dust in Towaoc, for the Ute Mountain Ute Bear Dance celebration on Monday, June 8, afternoon.
Bear Dance singers from the Southern Ute Indian Tribe traveled to Towaoc to jam out at the 137th Ute Mountain Bear Dance, “Tuwayak Nuchi Mamakurnkap”. The Ignacio singers’ tunes brought dancers to the floor.
Southern Ute tribal member, Odyssey Baker-Silva, guides her partner through the Bear Dance corral on Sunday afternoon in Towaoc, Colo.
Photo Credit: Divine Windy Boy | The Southern Ute Drum
Photo Credit: Divine Windy Boy | The Southern Ute Drum
Photo Credit: Divine Windy Boy | The Southern Ute Drum
Photo Credit: Divine Windy Boy | The Southern Ute Drum
Photo Credit: Divine Windy Boy | The Southern Ute Drum
Photo Credit: Divine Windy Boy | The Southern Ute Drum
Photo Credit: Divine Windy Boy | The Southern Ute Drum
Photo Credit: Divine Windy Boy | The Southern Ute Drum
Photo Credit: Divine Windy Boy | The Southern Ute Drum
Photo Credit: Divine Windy Boy | The Southern Ute Drum
Photo Credit: Divine Windy Boy | The Southern Ute Drum
Photo Credit: Divine Windy Boy | The Southern Ute Drum
Photo Credit: Divine Windy Boy | The Southern Ute Drum
