At the Denver Coliseum between March 25th and 27th
By Randy Beaudette
Gilpin County is located in an area on the eastern edge of the Mountain Ute Tribe territory. The Utes would leave their winter camps once a year for a holiday event called the Bear Dance. Usually in mid-March when the spring thunder rumbled, families came together for several days of celebration. The Bear Dance signified the waking-up of the bears from hibernation.
This is the explanation from old Ute men.
When bear wakes up, he’s weak, he needs food, and he doesn’t see well. But when they hold the dance, it helps him get out, because the helpers say to the dancers, “Get out and dance, you, because bear is waking up and that woman wants you to dance with her.”
The dance lasted several days and ends in a large feast. It was a great time to see other families and visit, get the latest gossip and stories and a courting time for the young folks.
The ceremony is one of the few things that did not change after the Utes met the white man.*
Today, a celebration similar to “Bear Dance” takes place at The Denver March Powwow. This year is the 42nd annual March Powwow and will be at the Denver Coliseum between March 25th and 27th.
Modern Powwow dance is an entity all to itself. The different styles are derived from traditional dances of the various tribes (each tribe has their own origin legends), but the individual dances are not specific to any one tribe although they are often associated with a particular geographical area. The dances fall into three basic configurations, “The Grand Entry” the processional that signifies the start of each session, “The Intertribal Dance,” where everybody dances, and “Contests,” which are subdivided into the various styles and dress.
Attending a Powwow is a delight to all the senses. The colorful costumes and dresses, ringing of the bells, the roar of the drums, and the food! Fry bread and the Navajo tacos are simply the best. There are items for sale such as jewelry, leather goods, and Native American art. Everyone is welcoming, friendly, and helpful.
Also, there is traditional storytelling which will be performed by Phillip Whiteman, Jr. “Yellow Bird.” (Northern Cheyenne). Phillip is a nationally renowned horseman, Cultural Consultant, performing artist, international presenter, and business owner. Joining Phillip for the first time this year is a contemporary native artist Christian Takes Gun Parrish (Apsaalooke Nation) known to his fans as “Supaman.” His presentation combines Native American culture, humor, and urban hip hop culture which dazzles audiences, captivates listeners and breaks down stereotypes. Both of these gentlemen have won awards for their work and the Denver March Powwow Committee is honored that they accepted the invitation to participate. They will be performing in the Denver Press Room (lower level) at the top of the hour.
For more information go to: https://www.denvermarchpowwow.org/
Admission to the 2016 Denver March Powwow
6 and under – Free
7 to 60 – $7/day or $20 for 3-day pass
60 and over – $3/day or $9 for 3-day pass
Note: Cash only! Personal checks and credit cards are not accepted
Important Note: Permits must be purchased for Video and digital cameras, including cell phones.
Video and digital camera permits:
Friday – $30
Saturday – $20
Sunday – $10