Stories tagged with Southern Ute Bear Dance

The Bear Dance corral was filled with dancers and music again this spring, ushering in the new year in a good way; dancers from all three Ute tribes and across Indian Country made their way to Ignacio, Colo for the spring celebration.

Fri Jun 10th, 2022

Bear Dance in full swing for spring

Fri Jun 3rd, 2022

Tribal Council lends a hand at feast

Fri Apr 22nd, 2022

A brief history of the Los Pinos Spring Classic softball tournament

Adorned with brightly colored shawls, women lined the Bear Dance corral in a circular fashion — dancing for an Honor Song in recognition of Father’s Day.

Fri Jul 2nd, 2021

Sister tribes gather for Bear Dance

Chairman Melvin Baker joined members of the Tribal Council and Sunshine Cloud Smith Youth Advisory Council to pass out the 2021 Bear Dance Feast. Due to COVID-19, the to-go style meals were pre-packaged and distributed to tribal elders, tribal members and the community in attendance.

Fri Jul 2nd, 2021

Upholding a Bear Dance tradition

10 Years Ago: As the Utes have done for generations, they gathered May 27 – 30, 2011 at the Bear Dance Corral in Ignacio to welcome the spring and celebrate the coming of a new year. This year’s festivities were accompanied by a host of others, including a powwow, an art fair, a softball tournament, and a day to remember the brave warriors who have served their Tribe and country in the armed services. The events served as a reminder that as much as some things change, many others remain as they’ve been for ages – such as the Southern Utes’ vibrant spirit, the spirit of the bear.

Fri Jun 4th, 2021

Many Moons Ago

Aislinn Ryder and Jakob Box partner up for a line dance during the 2020 Southern Ute Bear Dance, which took place at the Bear Dance grounds, Friday, June 12.

Fri Jun 19th, 2020

Bear Dance: Honoring the bear, upholding tradition

10 years ago: When the first thunder of the season is heard across Ute lands, the young and the old bear dancers and singers stretch their arms and legs so they will be strong and well throughout the coming year. The Ute people’s thoughts turn to the annual Bear Dance.
This photo was first published in the June 4, 2010, issue of The Southern Ute Drum.

Fri Jun 5th, 2020

Many Moons Ago

Circa 1970’s: Growlers lead the dancers with traditional
Bear dance songs.

Tue May 26th, 2020

Bear Dance: Strength and Tradition

Students of the Southern Ute Indian Montessori Academy have the honor of dancing the first dance, a tradition at the Southern Ute Bear Dance and an integral part of the cultural component emphasized through the Montessori program. The young students spend weeks, if not months in preparation, often sewing their own moccasins and decorating their Bear Dance regalia together in the classroom.

Fri Jun 7th, 2019

‘Pino Nuche’ honor the bear through dance

Volunteers take a moment of their own time to assist elders with food plates during the Bear Dance feast, Monday, May 27. Ernestine Maez navigates the serving line, helping fill plates with corn and stew.

Fri Jun 8th, 2018

Bear Dance feast honors elders, traditions

Men and women line dance to the rhythm of the Bear Dance songs.

Fri Jun 9th, 2017

Bear Dance ‘Pino Nuche’ style

A fancy dancer keeps up with the beats at the Southern Ute Bear Dance Powwow, hosted at the Sky Ute Fairgrounds from May 27-28.

Fri Jun 10th, 2016

Southern Utes dance into spring at powwow

The annual Southern Ute Bear Dance made its return in Ignacio from May 27 – May 30 at the Bear Dance grounds, gathering tribal members from the Southern Ute, Northern Ute, Ute Mountain Ute, and community locals for a weekend of celebration.

Fri Jun 10th, 2016

Southern Utes celebrate spring with Bear Dance

Southern Ute Indian Montessori Academy Students with help form the Culture Department began making their own ribbon dresses and shirts for Bear Dance next month. Mark Archuleta (left) and Kaycee Jefferson measure out the ribbon to be used on their garments.

Fri Apr 29th, 2016

Getting ready for Bear Dance

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