Benefit Gourd Dance rocks SunUte

Friday - April 22, 2022 by Robert L. Ortiz | The Southern Ute Drum

For-the-Children-Benefit-Gourd-Dance-RO-6

For-the-Children-Benefit-Gourd-Dance-RO-11

For-the-Children-Benefit-Gourd-Dance-RO-20

For-the-Children-Benefit-Gourd-Dance-RO-19

For-the-Children-Benefit-Gourd-Dance-RO-18

For-the-Children-Benefit-Gourd-Dance-RO-17

For-the-Children-Benefit-Gourd-Dance-RO-16

For-the-Children-Benefit-Gourd-Dance-RO-15

For-the-Children-Benefit-Gourd-Dance-RO-14

For-the-Children-Benefit-Gourd-Dance-RO-13

For-the-Children-Benefit-Gourd-Dance-RO-12

For-the-Children-Benefit-Gourd-Dance-RO-1

For-the-Children-Benefit-Gourd-Dance-RO-10

For-the-Children-Benefit-Gourd-Dance-RO-9

For-the-Children-Benefit-Gourd-Dance-RO-8

For-the-Children-Benefit-Gourd-Dance-RO-7

For-the-Children-Benefit-Gourd-Dance-RO-5

For-the-Children-Benefit-Gourd-Dance-RO-4

For-the-Children-Benefit-Gourd-Dance-RO-3

For-the-Children-Benefit-Gourd-Dance-RO-2

An honoring was done for Twyla Blackbird, daughter of Russell Blackbird (left). Standing beside Twyla are Gourd Dance MC – Afrem Wall, Nathan Strong Elk, and Head Boy Dancer – Stoney White Thunder.

Three generations, Carla Snow, dances with her daughter Miali Snowpeach and granddaughter, Wohpe Plentyholes.

The Goodtracks family stand with Head Girls Dancer, Myla Goodtracks, during her give-away special.

Sebastian Cozad dances during one of the evenings last gourd dances prior to closing out the evening’s session.

Javier Colorow carrying baby Bronco, receives an easter basket as a gift from the Head Staff presented by Edward Box III.

Oolcu Buckskin, dances with her daughter (foreground), along with Malia White Thunder and Deborah Richards.

Giveaway prizes were on display, such as this much-sought-after Sasquatch clock, created by artist Ben Watts.

Gourd Dance MC, Erny Zah takes a quick pic with his children, Louis and Maxine Zah.

Carrying on the gourd dance tradition, Rusty Cozad and his sons, Sebastian and Price Cozad.

Velma Armijo and others serve the potluck styled meal to those in attendance for the gourd dance.

Gourd Dance MC, Erny Zah announces the afternoon’s events.

During an honoring, Southern Ute Tribal Council member, Marge Barry joins Lyndreth Wall, Nathan Strong Elk and Afrem Wall, with Gourd Dance MC Erny Zah on the mic.

Cindy Valdez and daughter, Charlize browse the handmade items created by Elisa Cruz.

Marge Borst shows her “fishing” skills at the fishing booth, sponsored by the Whiteskunk family.

Gourd Dancers came out for the Gourd Dance to benefit the Children’s Powwow.

Nathan Strong Elk and Rusty Cozad dance side-by-side during the afternoon gourd dance session.

Gourd dancers filled the SunUte gymnasium during the afternoon session.

Russell Blackbird gourd dances with other dancers during the afternoon’s session.

Daisy Bluestar and Edward Box III hold a bear he made as one of many raffle give-away prizes.

Photo Credit: Robert L. Ortiz | The Southern Ute Drum

A benefit Gourd Dance was held Saturday, April 9 at SunUte Community Center. The non-profit, Native Love (Daughters of the Red Road) sponsored the Gourd dance to raise money for the upcoming Children’s Powwow to be held later this year. Erny Zah served as the Gourd Dance’s MC, Rusty Cozad was the Head Man Dancer, Stoney White Thunder and Myla Good Tracks served as Head Boy and Girl Dancers respectively and Afrem Wall was the Gourd Dance Arena Director. Money was raised throughout the evening by way of raffles, cake walks and other contests.

Tags: Afrem Wall, Ben Watts, Benefit Gourd Dance, Carla Snow, Charlize Valdez, Cindy Valdez, Daisy Bluestar, Daughters of the Red Road, Deaton Smith, Deborah Richards, Edward Box III, Elisa Cruz, Erny Zah, Louis and Maxine Zah, Lyndreth Wall, Malia White Thunder, Marge Barry, Marge Borst, Miali Snowpeach, Myla Goodtracks, Nathan Strong Elk, Native Love, Oolcu Buckskin, Price Cozad, Russell Blackbird, Rusty Cozad, Sebastian Cozad, Stoney White Thunder, Twyla Blackbird, Velma Armijo, Whiteskunk family, Wohpe Plentyholes