Bringing in 2016, in a good way
Monday - January 11, 2016 by Staff report | The Southern Ute Drum
Drummers gathered and sang around the drum at the New Years Potluck held at the Multi-Purpose Facility on December 31. Community members came out to the potluck to enjoy food and company of friends and family.
Drummers and women gathered around the drum to support the men who sang at the New Years Potluck held at the Multi-Purpose Facility on December 31.
Community members of Ignacio began New Year’s Day with a walk and prayers. The 5-mile trek began from the Southern Ute Veteran’s Park and proceeded north on HWY 151, and back along CR 516 and 517 to Ignacio. The Sobriety Walk, is held in honor and memory of Saa-swanis Hiswaqs (Robert) Buckskin, who helped many with alcohol addictions before he passed away almost 11 years ago.
In below zero temperatures, about 20 community members make their way north on HWY 172 to the first rest stop to offer prayers for the New Year.
Natahnee Winder, holds a can of tobacco, used to offer prayers by each of those who walked.
The youngest of the walkers, and most energetic, Sinaav Larry holds the staff of his grandfather, Saa-swanis Hiswaqs (Robert) Buckskin. The staff has been on many walks and will continue to be carried on years to come.
The walkers of the New Year’s Sobriety Walk stop to offer prayers and pose for a quick photo before heading south on CR 517 back to Ignacio.
Southern Ute tribal veteran, Howard D. Richards Sr., marches with the color guard, followed by Head Man Dancer, Henry Whiteskunk, during Grand Entry.
Powwow MC, Sheila Nanaeto from KSUT Tribal Radio handles the announcements.
The music of drumbeats was provided by Yellow Jacket, (pictured) and Catching Eagle.
Head Man Dancer, Henry Whiteskunk, dances with his daughter, Cyana.
Hunter Frost dances with grace during the New Years Sobriety Powwow on Saturday, Jan. 2 at SunUte Community Center.
The Ignacio Wildcats offer tickets for the powwow cakewalk, with all earnings going towards the 7th and 8th grade basketball teams.
Photo Credit: Trennie Collins | The Southern Ute Drum
Photo Credit: Trennie Collins | The Southern Ute Drum
Photo Credit: Robert L. Ortiz | The Southern Ute Drum
Photo Credit: Robert L. Ortiz | The Southern Ute Drum
Photo Credit: Robert L. Ortiz | The Southern Ute Drum
Photo Credit: Robert L. Ortiz | The Southern Ute Drum
Photo Credit: Robert L. Ortiz | 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
Many community members chose to celebrate the New Year promoting healthy and traditional ways of life. A community potluck, sobriety memorial walk, and sobriety powwow were all held over the holiday weekend.