Festival Coordinator Leah Tindore expresses gratitude: ‘A successful & meaningful event’
Festival Coordinator Leah Tindore greets powwow emcee Bart Powaukee (left) at Friday night grand
entry on August 7.
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.”
She said Festival heat was no joke this year, “We were pushing nearly 100 degrees every single day. Huge shout-out to Becky from TOEM (Tribal Office of Emergency Management) for keeping everyone hydrated out there with the water stations.” She said they handed out over five pallets of water — about 240 cases completely free to the public, plus around 240 bags of ice. “It was super hot this year, and their support made a massive difference.”
First and foremost, we want to thank everyone who traveled near and far to attend our 61st Annual Shoshone-Bannock Indian Festival. Tindore said there were so many positive notes shared by community members, coordinators, committee members, volunteers, and tribal departments. “We really came together as one. I appreciate every single one of you.”
Things to improve on is parking and “we can work on getting more information out to everyone ahead of time.”
A Festival recap meeting will be conducted so the full committee can come together, address concerns, and continue strengthening the event. “We have work ahead of us as we keep improving our Festival, but overall, I feel we had many positive outcomes,” she said.
“With any large event, there will always be areas to grow, but as your Festival Coordinator, I am truly impressed with everyone’s hard work especially in the heat. Thank you all for another successful year,” Tindore said.
