Native grads honored at annual Rez Wide Graduation Celebration
Idaho Power scholarship winners, from left: Nivea Oliva, Josie Raya and Nathan Tinno.
By YVONNE WARJACK
Sho-Ban News
FORT HALL — Graduates from across the Fort Hall Indian Reservation were recognized during the 2026 Rez Wide Graduation Celebration on June 16 at the Shoshone-Bannock Casino Hotel Chiefs Event Center.
The annual event honors students earning high school diplomas, GEDs, certificates, apprenticeships, associate degrees, bachelor’s degrees, master’s degrees, and doctoral degrees.
The celebration brought together graduates, families, educators, and community members for an evening recognizing educational achievement. White Otter Goggles served as master of ceremonies, while Spring Creek provided songs throughout the evening.
Keynote speakers, from left: Ontaria Arrow White and Robyn Williams.
The program opened with a Shoshoni song performed by Aaron Wiihinite Chivis, followed by “Hoakkantennan Nahupia,” or “Song of the Warrior.” A color guard presentation marked the opening of the celebration.
The evening featured keynote addresses by Ontaria Arrow White, who earned a Bachelor of Arts degree in Anthropology with a minor in Linguistics and a Forensic Science Certificate with honors, and Robyn Williams, who earned a Master of Education degree in Instructional Design and Technology.
During her address, Arrow White encouraged graduates, “You can push through. You can do it. You have a strong support system—yourselves, your family, your friends, your community, and your ancestors. As long as you have that support, you are going to be alright.”
Throughout the ceremony, graduates were recognized individually and presented with certificates and gifts commemorating their academic accomplishments. Several graduates received Pendleton blankets and certificates in recognition of earning college and advanced degrees.
2026 Rez Wide Graduation Celebration attendees on June 16.
Among those recognized were Ontaria Arrow White, Jessica Matsaw, Amber Olin, Jacinta Edmo, Alexandria Alvarez, Taylor Haskett, and other graduates representing colleges, universities, and training programs.
The celebration also included scholarship presentations. The Idaho Power Shoshone-Bannock Scholarship was awarded to essay competition winners Josie Raya, Nathan Tinno and Nivea Oliva. Each recipient received a $2,400 scholarship to support and further their educational goals.
Additionally, representatives from educational institutions attended the event to provide information about future educational opportunities.
From left, 477 Human Services Director Lori Pahvitse, Miss ISU Danella Murphy, FHBC members Lee Juan Tendoy, Donna Thompson, Michael Tindore Sr. and Russell Haskett.
Guests were served refreshments that included salsa and chips, lemonade, water, fruit trays, and vegetable trays as families and community members gathered to celebrate the accomplishments of the Class of 2026.
The evening concluded with graduates posing for photographs with family members and supporters.
