The Summer Bear Dance Troupe was formed under the direction of Barbara Nepinak. There are Ojibway, Cree, Assiniboine and Sioux tribes represented in the Troupe, ranging in age from four and up. They perform dances such as the Grass Dance, the Traditional, the Fancy Feather and Shawl Dance, the Hoop Dance and the Jingle Dress.

The name of the group originated from the original Ojibway name of Nepinak - "Neebin-ni-maqua" meaning SummerBear.  The regalia of the dancers are usually handmade by the group - custom made for each dancer and carrying meaning for each individual.

The Summer Bear Dance Troupe focuses on educating and sharing aspects of the Aboriginal Community, acknowledging the different regions where the dances originated.

The Dance Troupe has traveled internationally to places such as Australia, Brazil, United States, Sweden, and most recently Taiwan. They have performed at many events including Folklorama, the 1999 Pan Am Games and yearly at The Forks annual Solstice Celebrations.

Country: Native Canadian
Region: North America