Northern Welcomes the Cast and Crew of Bear Grease

Monday night, August 19, marked a truly special occasion at Santa Claran Hotel as the Northern community gathered to honor the talented cast and crew of Bear Grease with a warm and heartfelt dinner. This event was a celebration of creativity, culture, and community, bringing together students, faculty, staff, and local supporters to recognize the extraordinary effort behind this unique production.

Dr. Larry Guerrero, Provost and Vice President for Academic Affairs, kicked off the evening by welcoming the cast, crew, NNMC staff, faculty, and community members. His words set the tone for a night that was both celebratory and reflective, acknowledging the hard work and dedication that brought Bear Grease to life.

Valentina Livingston, the Director of Tribal Relations at NNMC's Native American Center, took the opportunity to emphasize the importance of unity and cultural celebration. She expressed her deep appreciation for everyone’s presence and support, underscoring how events like this dinner not only celebrate artistic achievements but also strengthen the bonds within the community.

Henry “Cloud” Andrade, the Co-Creator and writer of 'Bear Grease', shared the inspiring story behind the creation of this production—a Native version of the classic musical 'Grease.' Andrade spoke passionately about how he and his wife, award-winning Canadian actress Crystle Lightning, reimagined the beloved musical through an Indigenous lens, highlighting the rich cultural heritage, stories, and perspectives of Indigenous communities.

The evening served as a powerful reminder of the importance of supporting Indigenous creations like Bear Grease. Such works are essential in preserving and sharing the diverse and vibrant cultures of Indigenous peoples, ensuring that their stories and perspectives continue to be told and celebrated.

The event was made possible thanks to the generous donations from several supporters, including Trout Stalker Ranch in Chama, New Mexico, Governor Michael Chavarria of Santa Clara Pueblo, Santa Claran Hotel, Northern New Mexico College Native American Center, Northern New Mexico College President's Eagle Fund, and Northern New Mexico College Film & Digital Media Arts.

The night was filled with storytelling, laughter, and the creation of cherished memories, leaving everyone who attended with a sense of pride and appreciation for the creativity and dedication behind Bear Grease. The dinner not only celebrated the success of the production but also reinforced the importance of cultural preservation and community unity.