READ THE LETTER (On YOUR TABLE) and Answer the questions
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Uso-6P8A7xY
The Bear Dance is one of the oldest recorded dances in North American history. The origins of the Bear Dance can be traced back hundreds of years to the fifteenth century, and has since served the Ute people for each generation. The dance has seen its share of changes throughout its time, but has always stood by the foundation of gathering tribal people together for the celebration of life . . .
“The dance enhances a bigger picture for our people … it provides in many ways for the Utes, especially healing, and that’s why it’s still here,” Bear Dance Chief Matthew J. Box said.
Box has been the Bear Dance Chief since 2004. His family has had an association with the Dance for many generations, beginning with his grandfather Edward Box Sr. who was Bear Dance and Sundance Chief in 1952.
“My grandfather was one of the Elders responsible for bringing back the Bear Dance,” Box added. “In the recent past, Indian ceremonies weren’t permitted. In Indian Country, a lot of natives were massacred because people saw ceremonial dances to be dangerous. [My grandfather] taught me the importance of it. I would follow him around and acted like his right-hand-man. I still remember the songs from him. He told me that if there’s ever a day when things are lost, then knowing one song allows it to go on.”
The Bear Dance originally was held around the middle of March, usually after the first thunder in the spring was heard and when the Bear came out of hibernation. All the various Ute bands would come together and prepare for the dances, which were held throughout Ute territories.
https://www.sudrum.com/top-stories/2015/04/17/history-of-the-bear-dance/
“The dance enhances a bigger picture for our people … it provides in many ways for the Utes, especially healing, and that’s why it’s still here,” Bear Dance Chief Matthew J. Box said.
Box has been the Bear Dance Chief since 2004. His family has had an association with the Dance for many generations, beginning with his grandfather Edward Box Sr. who was Bear Dance and Sundance Chief in 1952.
“My grandfather was one of the Elders responsible for bringing back the Bear Dance,” Box added. “In the recent past, Indian ceremonies weren’t permitted. In Indian Country, a lot of natives were massacred because people saw ceremonial dances to be dangerous. [My grandfather] taught me the importance of it. I would follow him around and acted like his right-hand-man. I still remember the songs from him. He told me that if there’s ever a day when things are lost, then knowing one song allows it to go on.”
The Bear Dance originally was held around the middle of March, usually after the first thunder in the spring was heard and when the Bear came out of hibernation. All the various Ute bands would come together and prepare for the dances, which were held throughout Ute territories.
https://www.sudrum.com/top-stories/2015/04/17/history-of-the-bear-dance/