Gathering for the Bear Dance powwow
Friday - May 29, 2015 by Sacha Smith | The Southern Ute Drum
The flags honor the many who have fallen, but those who will never be forgotten.
Southern Ute Tribal Councilman, Alex Cloud welcomed those in attendance to Southern Ute Bear Dance Powwow during the Saturday evening Grand Entry on May 23.
US Veterans carry the colors into the arena at the Southern Ute Bear Dance Powwow Friday, May 22.
The Grand Entry commences with an energetic display of dancers from throughout Indian Country. Head Woman Dancer, Miss Southern Ute, Ellie Seibel (left) and Head Man Dancer, Adrian Stevens.
Southern Ute tribal elder Dr. Jim Jefferson gives the opening prayer following the powwow’s grand entry ceremony.
Miss Southern Ute Ellie Siebel welcomes everyone attending the Bear Dance Powwow.
Adrian Stevens greets royalty at the powwow.
Leonora Burch (left) and Karen Washington dance during one of the many intertribal’s held opening night of the Bear Dance Powwow Friday, May 22.
The Grand Entry ceremony commences with an energetic display of dancers from throughout Indian Country
A fancy dancer gives a joyful smile.
Norman Largo from Window Rock, AZ graces the dance floor.
The powwow featured jingle dress dancers, fancy dancers, grass dancers, and tiny tot dancers.
Little Miss Southern Ute Tauri Raines makes her way into the arena during the Grand Entry ceremony.
The powwow is held during Memorial Day weekend in light of the Southern Ute Bear Dance.
Faces of all ages made their way to the Southern Ute Fairgrounds during the Memorial Day Weekend in celebration of the Southern Ute Bear Dance.
First place winners in the Southern Drum Contest, Yellow Jacket – during one of the many contests held throughout the night, Saturday, May 23.
Southern Ute tribal member Marge Borst enters the arena during the Friday May, 22 Southern Ute Bear Dance Powwow Grand Entry.
Photo Credit: Damon Toledo | The Southern Ute Drum
Photo Credit: Robert L. Ortiz | The Southern Ute Drum
Photo Credit: Sacha Smith | The Southern Ute Drum
Photo Credit: Damon Toledo | The Southern Ute Drum
Photo Credit: Damon Toledo | The Southern Ute Drum
Photo Credit: Damon Toledo | The Southern Ute Drum
Photo Credit: Damon Toledo | The Southern Ute Drum
Photo Credit: Sacha Smith | The Southern Ute Drum
Photo Credit: Damon Toledo | The Southern Ute Drum
Photo Credit: Damon Toledo | The Southern Ute Drum
Photo Credit: Damon Toledo | The Southern Ute Drum
Photo Credit: Damon Toledo | The Southern Ute Drum
Photo Credit: Damon Toledo | The Southern Ute Drum
Photo Credit: Damon Toledo | The Southern Ute Drum
Photo Credit: Damon Toledo | The Southern Ute Drum
Photo Credit: Damon Toledo | The Southern Ute Drum
Photo Credit: Robert L. Ortiz | The Southern Ute Drum
Photo Credit: Sacha Smith | The Southern Ute Drum
Photo Credit: Damon Toledo | The Southern Ute Drum



















The Southern Ute Bear Dance compliments the Bear Dance every year, and this year was no different. Dancers, singers, and spectators from across Indian Country made their way to the Sky Ute Fairgrounds May 22 and 24 to enjoy some powwow and hand game activities.