Tribal members, educators & leaders gather for Indian Education Summit
Community participants for the 2026 Idaho Indian Education Summit traditional clothing show at Idaho State University June 12.
By YVONNE WARJACK
Sho-Ban News
POCATELLO — Educators, tribal leaders, students, and community members gathered at Idaho State University June 11 and 12 for the 2026 Idaho Indian Education Summit, an event focused on strengthening educational opportunities for Native American students through cultural engagement, collaboration, and professional development.
The summit opened with welcome remarks from Fort Hall Business Council Treasurer Ladd Edmo, Idaho State University President Robert Wagner, and Idaho Department of Education representative Brennan Summers.
Native American dancers Miss Idaho State University 2026–27 Danella Murphy, First Attendant Akira Fast Horse-Armell, Milania Fisher, Zaiden Beasley, and John Archuleta participated in opening activities, while the Ghost Canyon Singers provided an honor song.
Ghost Canyon sings an honor song at the summit.
Throughout the two-day event, attendees participated in workshops and presentations addressing Native curriculum and instruction, language revitalization, higher education, Indigenous resilience, student leadership, and culturally responsive teaching practices.
One session, moderated by Dr. Jessica Matsaw, highlighted land-based education and featured presentations by RJ Kutch, DeMar Galloway, and Andrew Baldwin.
During a luncheon on June 11, Dr. Yolanda Bisbee was honored for 37 years of service to Native education. The Shoshone-Bannock Tribes presented her with a gift bag, beaded necklace, and Pendleton blanket in recognition of her contributions to Indigenous students, educators, and communities.
From left, Andrew Baldwin, Alexandria Alvarez, DeMar Galloway and RJ Kutch during a workshop.
A featured event of the summit was the Traditional Fashion Show, which celebrated the cultural heritage, creativity and identity of the Shoshone-Bannock Tribes. The runway showcased traditional clothing and regalia featuring intricate beadwork, fringe work, feather adornments, blankets, accessories, and other handcrafted items.
Runway participants included Burlee Broncho, Okatay Matsaw, Miss Idaho State University Danella Murphy, Miss Shoshone-Bannock Myke Moore, Miss Pocatello/Chubbuck School District Queen Cinncee Washakie, DeMar Galloway, Gwyn Towersap, Effie Hernandez, Malia and Abrianna Matsaw, Forrest Broncho, Casey Ball, Polly Hevewah Matsaw, Alex Alvarez, Shirley Alvarez, Jessica Matsaw and Sammy Matsaw Jr., Michael Tindore Sr., and Lee Juan Tendoy.
Summit aims to strengthen education for Native students
Yvette Towersap presents on Sho-Ban tribal history.
By MICHAEL STEELE
Tribal Policy Analyst
POCATELLO — Educators gathered at Idaho State University (ISU) to participate in the 2026 Idaho Indian Education Summit on June 11 and 12.
Facilitated by Echo Marshall, ISU Director of Tribal Relations, and Idaho Department of Education staff, the conference focused on strengthening education for Native American Students.
Fort Hall Business Council Treasurer Ladd Edmo welcomed participants by highlighting how education leads to future opportunities. Edmo emphasized the Tribes’ efforts to advocate for the land and environment while responsibly supporting agricultural and economic development. Miss Sho-Ban 2026 Myke Moore and Miss Native ISU Danella Rose Perry-Murphy also welcomed attendees.
Dr. Jason Cummins (Crow/Apasalooke) served as Thursday morning’s keynote speaker. Cummins explained that despite historical trauma that continues to lead to drugs, homelessness, family challenges and achievement gaps, healing can come through cultural and language revitalization in schools. He also explained that exposure to culture, language and ceremony leads to higher academic achievement and improves mental health.
Yvette Towersap served as Thursday’s concluding keynote speaker. Towersap articulated key cultural elements and historical events that shaped the Tribes and Fort Hall into what they are today including Camas Prairie, historical reservation schools and the railroad.
During breakout sessions, Dr. Larry Murillo presented on public health to help educators examine how Native ways of knowing can broaden conversations in public health and education. RJ Kutch, DeMar Galloway and Andrew Baldwin, teachers from Chief Tahgee Elementary Academy and Shoshone- Bannock Jr./Sr. High School, shared how training and experiences leads to culturally responsive teaching practices. Willow Abrahamson presented on belonging and its importance to school success. She also facilitated a tour of the reservation. Mardel Butler and Abrianna Matsaw participated in a language revitalization panel facilitated by Effie Hernandez.
Friday’s discussions included a panel featuring Superintendent Pam Eschief and Joy Mickelsen discussing models of educational leadership. Jessica James and Evelyn Galloway presented on capacity building and Dr. Laticia Herkshan presented on the 6 R’s (respect, relationality, responsibility, reciprocity, representation and relevance). Dr. Jessica Matsaw and Anna Bowers coordinated a well-received Native fashion show.
Burlee Broncho participates in the clothing show at the Idaho Indian
Education Summit.
In an Idaho Indian Education Committee (IIEC) immediately preceding the conference, Jessica James, Tribal Education Department Manager, was elected as the chair of the Idaho Indian Education Committee where she immediately led discussions to develop accurate and appropriate education materials to teach native American History in Idaho’s schools.
Jessica and Sammy Matsaw Jr. in the clothing show.
