Pueblo Nature & Raptor Center receives special blessing

Visitors to a sanctuary for injured birds of prey got a bonus attraction Thursday — a scared dance by a local group of Native Americans.

The group performed a noontime “Blessing of the Ground” ceremony at the Nature and Raptor Center of Pueblo. The dance is a requirement before building a village at the center, as part of the Ed Posa and Friends Art Festival and Sale.

The festival is June 13-15.

Native Americans and the center began discussing the idea of a partnership last fall.

“They were looking for a place that they could partner with to do education about Native Americans and also nature, and in their minds the Nature Center was the perfect fit,” said Diana Miller, director of the raptor center.

The dance can be seen only in person, and is not allowed to be recorded.

The center displays 20 birds and provides care for 200 more.