A man smiling at the camera wearing wearing a cowboy hat and adorning a beaded necklace.

Traditional Bear Dance Songs in the Great Kiva

Aztec Ruins National Monument

Special Event
  • May 11, 2025 at 12:00 PM
  • Free

Please join us on May 11th at noon for a special event with Nathan Strong Elk of the Southern Ute Tribe, or Kapuuta-wa Moghwachi Núuchi-u, located in southwestern Colorado. Nathan will be performing traditional Bear Dance songs alongside Bear Singers in the Great Kiva. Nathan is a respected spiritual leader, storyteller, and teacher who has dedicated much of his life to empowering, mentoring, and helping members of his community. He holds a Doctor of Education degree from Fielding Graduate University and has significant experience working in the Southern Ute Detention Center, the Southern Ute Native American Church, and the Southern Ute Cultural Center and Museum. Nathan is known for his deep commitment to healing and uplifting his people. He carries ancestral wisdom with humility and grace, offering music and stories that awaken the spirit and honor Native traditions. His Bear Song performance is a rare and sacred experience—rooted in reverence, cultural pride, and spiritual depth. This is a free event and open to the public. Call (505) 334-6174 with any questions.

Photo credit: Jeremy Wade Shockley of the Southern Ute Drum.

Fees

This event is free to attend.

Location

Latitude and Longitude 36.834585, -108.000257

Schedule

Date:

May 11, 2025

Time:

12:00 PM

Duration:

1 hour

Contact Information

Claire Murphy
505-334-6174
Contact Us

Event Type

  • Cultural/Craft Demonstration
  • Performance
  • Talk