Gourd dancers from the Southern Ute reservation and the Four Corners region, flank Head Woman Dancer, Heather White Thunder as she is honored during the Southern Ute Indian Montessori Academy Gourd Dance at the SunUte Community Center, Saturday, Nov. 19. Jack Frost Jr., Andrew Frost, Russell Blackbird, Henry Whiteskunk Jr., and Henry Whiteskunk II are among the gourd dancers.

The Southern Ute Gourd Dance was in full swing on the last honoring of the night.

Southern Ute Cultural Department’s Events & Heritage Coordinator, Marvin Pinnecoose helps during the giveaway from the SUIMA staff on Saturday, Nov. 19.

A cake walk contestant picks out her cake to take home after getting the number she had called during the round dance cake walk.

Women dancers support the gourd dancers in bright and colorful shawls during an honoring dance for the Southern Ute Gourd Dance on Saturday, Nov. 19 at the Sun Ute Community Center.

Little Miss Southern Ute, Cyana Whiteskunk shakes the hands of fellow royalty members, Little Miss Southern Ute First Alternate, Shayne White Thunder and Junior Miss First Alternate, Myla Goodtracks after they each received gifts during a give-away sponsored by the Whiteskunk family.

Southern Ute elder, Nathan Strong Elk, Arena Director Angelo Frost, Gourd Dance Emcee Afrem Wall, Arena Director Phoenix Traver and Ute Mountain Ute Councilmember, Lyndreth Wall gather for a photo after the two youth arena directors accepted gifts during a special held during the gourd dance.