Among Ute people, late Spring is the time for Bear Dance. These are annual events which run several days, and are open to natives and non-natives alike. In recent years, hundreds of people attend Bear Dance events held in Ute communities in Colorado and Utah. But this year, they are being limited to small, one-day ceremonies. Producer Adam Burke of the KSUT series Native Braids spent some time with Southern Ute Bear Dance Chief Matthew Box about the event happening June 12, near Ignacio.
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Native Braids is a co-production of KSUT Tribal Radio and independent producer Adam Burke.