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Southern Ute tribal member, Rhianna Carel exhibitions in the Women’s Northern Traditional category on Friday evening at the Southern Ute Bear Dance Powwow held in tandem with the Bear Dance celebration – Friday, May 22, and Saturday, May 23. The Sky Ute Casino Resort Event Center saw many dancers, singers, and spectators during the two-day event, hosted by the Southern Ute Powwow Committee.
Taylor “Cheii” Begay – Men’s Northern Traditional dancer – jams out during the first grand entry on Friday night. Dancers throughout Indian Country visited the Sky Ute Casino Resort for the two-day powwow.
Emcee’s Bart Powaukee and Stais Harlan, stand with Head Judge, Kenny Brown Sr. ahead of the first session of the Southern Ute Bear Dance Powwow. Harlan was later honored for his dedication to learning the role of emcee and for volunteering his time to the community.
Women’s Northern Traditional dancer competes on Saturday night at the Southern Ute Bear Dance Powwow.
Men’s Southern Straight dancer shows his best moves in front of judges at the Southern Ute Bear Dance Powwow on Saturday afternoon.
Mothers and daughters dance in a special contest on Saturday night. Heather White Thunder and her daughters, Shayne and Malia, wear matching regalia as they compete in the contest – the trio went on to place in the top five of the contest.
Morgan Blackhair and her daughter, Honey Sue dance in the Mother’s and Daughter’s special dance contest on Saturday night of the Southern Ute Bear Dance Powwow.
Katrina Baker follows alongside her mother, Cassandra Atencio in the Mother’s and Daughter’s special. The pair showcased their Ute style of dress and dance during the powwow, as Atencio served as the head woman dancer.
Jr. Women’s Jingle Dress dancer, Lalaina Becenti, graces the floor with her moves during the adult contest on Saturday evening at the Sky Ute Casino Resort Event Center.
Host Southern Drum, Omaha White Tail Singers, brings in dancers for the first session of Grand Entry on Friday evening.
Photo Credit: Divine Windy Boy | The Southern Ute Drum
Photo Credit: Divine Windy Boy | The Southern Ute Drum
Photo Credit: Divine Windy Boy | The Southern Ute Drum
Photo Credit: Divine Windy Boy | The Southern Ute Drum
Photo Credit: Divine Windy Boy | The Southern Ute Drum
Photo Credit: Divine Windy Boy | The Southern Ute Drum
Photo Credit: Divine Windy Boy | The Southern Ute Drum
Photo Credit: Divine Windy Boy | The Southern Ute Drum
Photo Credit: Divine Windy Boy | The Southern Ute Drum
Photo Credit: Divine Windy Boy | The Southern Ute Drum
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Bear Dance Powwow fills Event Center

Monday - June 1, 2026 by Divine Windy Boy | The Southern Ute Drum

The Southern Ute Powwow Committee welcomed dancers, singers, and spectators to the Sky Ute Casino Resort on Friday, May 22 and Saturday, May 23 for the Southern Ute Bear Dance Powwow. In tandem with the Bear Dance celebration, the powwow brings in crowds from surrounding areas offering another event for visitors to enjoy. The powwow featured competition dancing and singing, a variety of vendors, and special contests for attendees.  

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