By LORI ANN EDMO
Sho-Ban News
FORT HALL — The Bannock Gathering is important to all Shoshone-Bannock tribal members to remind of the fact Bannock warriors involved in the Bannock War fought to preserve our traditional food.

In addition, the warriors fought the Umatilla and Cayuse in the Blue Mountains and Chief Taghee assured a reservation was secured in his homeland. Louise Dixey, Language and Culture Preservation Director, emphasized it August 3 at the Shoshone-Bannock Casino Hotel. (cont.)

By MICHAEL STEELE
Tribal Policy Analyst
SANTA FE, N.M. – Fort Hall Business Council Vice-Chairman Nathan Small traveled to New Mexico from August 13 to 16 for the Coalition of Large Tribes’ (COLT) quarterly conference.

COLT leads advocacy efforts for tribes with over 100,000 acres of land. Its growing influence has led tribes with smaller land-bases to seek non-voting membership and join COLT’s advocacy efforts. (cont.)

FORT HALL — A new chapter in tribal government began on July 1 as the Shoshone-Bannock Tribes launched a new division structure designed to strengthen collaboration, increase accountability, and improve services for tribal members.

The new structure organizes tribal departments into seven divisions as part of the Tribal Management Improvement Plan (TMIP), a long-term initiative to strengthen tribal government and improve services to tribal members. Although officially implemented this summer, the plan reflects years of planning and a vision tribal leaders have shared for decades as the organization has grown in both size and responsibility. (cont.)

FORT HALL — Shoshone-Bannock Festival Coordinator Leah Tindore believes the theme, “One People, One Purpose, One Future,” truly came to life.

“Overall, we had a successful and meaningful event,” she said. “So many relatives and friends joined us from across Indian Country throughout the U.S. and Canada to celebrate an amazing weekend together. As a community, we did an incredible job welcoming our guests, even in the extreme heat. I know this year’s temperatures were tough, but we pushed through, supported one another, and made it happen.” (cont.)

By JEREMY SHAY
Sho-Ban News
FORT HALL — Tay’a Osborne was crowned Miss Shoshone-Bannock Queen for the 2026-27 year at the Delbert Farmer Festival Arbor on Friday, August 7.

Outgoing Miss Sho-Ban Myke Moore greeted the audience and thanked the community before passing down the beaded crown and sash to Tay’a, and offering her congratulations.

Osborne was presented gifts and a bouquet of flowers. Spring Creek sang the honor song for family and friends to honor the new reigning queen.

Prior to the crowning, Tay’a Osborne completed her final pageant demonstration at the Delbert Farmer Festival Arbor, in her run for the Miss Shoshone-Bannock title, which was a dance presentation. (cont.)