Bear Dance brings Ute tribes together

Friday - May 31, 2024 by Jeremy Wade Shockley | The Southern Ute Drum
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Cool temperatures and clear skies made for a perfect combination during the Southern Ute Bear Dance, which took place in Ignacio from Friday, May 24 – Monday, May 27. Southern Ute tribal member Daisy Bluestar and Wildlife Division Head Aran Johnson paired up on Sunday evening for a dance at dusk.
Twins, Joaiden and Josiah Height, Southern Ute Montessori Academy students, Ignacio, Colo.
Southern Ute Singers, (pictured left to right) Jon Chavarillo, David Tallbird, Reggie Howe, Jake Ryder, Tim Ryder and Bird Red, belt out time honored Bear Dance songs leading up to the last dance on Monday, May 27.
Auq-uwey O'John keeps a watchful eye on dancers throughout the weekend, returning for the second year as Catman.
Elisia Cruz, Southern Ute Bear Dancer, Ignacio, Colo.
Women line dance along the north side of the Bear Dance Corral on Sunday afternoon, swaying in time to the rhythm of the growlers.
Janae Lansing, Ute Mountain Ute Bear Dancer, Towaoc, Colo.
David Tallbird steps into the role of Catman, keeping dancers in line throughout the weekend.
Samantha Maez lines up alongside dancers for a song in the final hours of the 2024 Southern Ute Bear Dance.
Dwight Litz, Southern Ute Bear Dancer, Ignacio, Colo.
Southern Ute Brave Alternate, Theoden Greany dons his Bear Dance regalia on the final day of the Southern Ute Bear Dance.
Under the watchful eye of the Bear Dance Chief, Dominick GoodTracks tends to the campfires at dusk inside the Bear Dance Corral on Sunday evening.
Photo Credit: Jeremy Wade Shockley | The Southern Ute Drum
Photo Credit: Jeremy Wade Shockley | The Southern Ute Drum
Photo Credit: Jeremy Wade Shockley | The Southern Ute Drum
Photo Credit: Jeremy Wade Shockley | The Southern Ute Drum
Photo Credit: Jeremy Wade Shockley | The Southern Ute Drum
Photo Credit: Jeremy Wade Shockley | The Southern Ute Drum
Photo Credit: Jeremy Wade Shockley | The Southern Ute Drum
Photo Credit: Jeremy Wade Shockley | The Southern Ute Drum
Photo Credit: Jeremy Wade Shockley | The Southern Ute Drum
Photo Credit: Jeremy Wade Shockley | The Southern Ute Drum
Photo Credit: Jeremy Wade Shockley | The Southern Ute Drum
Photo Credit: Jeremy Wade Shockley | The Southern Ute Drum
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The excitement around this year’s Bear Dance was palpable in the days leading up to the spring celebration, which brings the Ute tribes together from across Utah and Colorado annually. With help from numerous tribal departments, Southern Ute Bear Dance Chief, Matthew Box has been guiding preparations and improvements at the Bear Dance grounds since earlier in the year. New amenities include additional parking reserved for elders, a dedicated cooking area for the annual feast and an improved arbor for the singers.  

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