On Monday, May 11, more than 40 faculty, staff and family members from across the University of Utah traveled to the Uintah and Ouray Reservation to attend the Ute Indian Tribe’s Bear Dance. Representatives from advancement, admissions, the S.J. Quinney College of Law, College of Education, Natural History Museum of Utah, Center for Native Excellence and Tribal Engagement, Spencer Fox Eccles School of Medicine, J. Willard Marriott Library, student affairs, registrar, financial aid, College of Humanities, orientation and more took part in the visit.

The day began with lunch generously hosted by the Ute Tribe Education Department and a reservation tour led by Ronee K. Wopsock Pawwinnee, director of education for the Ute Indian Tribe. One attendee reflected that Wopsock Pawwinnee “made me laugh but also painted an honest picture of what life is like on the reservation,” adding, “I am grateful for this insight.”

The visit concluded at the Bear Dance grounds, where university participants experienced the warmth, multigenerational participation and colorful regalia that made the gathering so meaningful. Because the Bear Dance is traditionally a women’s choice dance, many of the university’s male attendees eventually found themselves invited onto the dance floor. “Being asked to dance was very flattering,” one participant shared. Another attendee reflected on meeting a young Native student after the dance and seeing firsthand the impact of mentorship and educational pathways.

One especially meaningful moment came when members of the group met Ellroy, who explained that “you are blessed every time you dance.” That spirit of generosity and openness stayed with many throughout the evening. As one university leader reflected afterward, “It really was one of those rare events that leaves you both energized and a little sad when it ends.”

We are deeply grateful to the Ute Indian Tribe for welcoming the university community so warmly. Days like this strengthen relationships not through statements alone, but through shared meals, stories, laughter, dancing and time spent together.