Broncho retires after 34 years of service at Sho-Ban Tribes Fish & Wildlife
Claudeo Broncho enjoys the retirement celebration with attendees on September 3, 2026.
By LORI ANN EDMO
Sho-Ban News
FORT HALL — After 34 years representing the Shoshone-Bannock Tribes as the Fish and Wildlife Policy Representative Claudeo Broncho retired and a celebration in his honor was September 3.
Broncho is only the second person to serve in the unique position as Lionel Q. Boyer was the first.
Claudeo Broncho, Shoshone-Bannock Tribes Fish & Wildlife Dept. Policy
Representative
Claudeo said it’s unique because he was able to speak on behalf of the Fort Hall Business Council – something only a council member is afforded. He would testify, vote on certain issues and represent in litigation involving the Tribes. The Treaty is number one, “We use that to hunt and fish on unoccupied lands of the United States – we use that very strongly because that’s how we go forward in regard to challenging litigation,” he said.
Concerning the buffalo the Tribes never quit hunting them, “We never left,” and he told the Montana officials the Treaty’s non-negotiable, so we are still hunting and fishing there. He worked with former tribal attorney Candy Jackson, they wrote letters and lobbied the Montana legislature explaining the areas the Tribes inhabited. He worked with the late Bill Bacon on U.S. v. Oregon since 1993. He told Bill the Tribes needed to keep continuing the case no matter what. “They (the other tribes) didn’t want us there,” but they still kept going to the meetings. Now the younger ones are coming up behind to us top take over and that’s good.
Members of the Osborne family present Broncho with a Pendleton blanket.
Claudeo talked about the National Elk Refuge that he and Yvette Towersap worked on to hunt buffalo there. Protecting ceded lands is important, he continued.
Concerning the next policy representative, he would like to educate them on litigation, environmental impacts and on ceded lands. He would always be open to talking with whoever replaces him and that person should also speak with Lionel Boyer. History is also important.
The job is all about protecting the Shoshone-Bannock Tribes Fort Bridger Treaty Rights and those that spoke at his luncheon thanked him for everything he taught them and his advice.
Towersap thanked Claudeo for his respectful treatment of her as an employee, as a person and as a woman, which many other tribal leaders do not do. “His words really stayed with me for years, as he taught me how tribal leaders should carry themselves: ‘When you are elected, you are not a leader from 8 to 5, but you are a leader 24-7.’” She said he was good to work with, told goofy stories and traveled many miles to speak on behalf of the Tribes.
FHBC Vice Chairman Nathan Small speaks.
Fort Hall Business Council Chairwoman Donna Thompson, Nathan Small, vice chairman, Devon Boyer and LeeJuan Tendoy all thanked him for his service and dedication to the Tribes.
Gaylen Edmo, general counsel, said the position Claudeo served in is very important because it’s what the tribal people want. He said the Tribes are in a lot better position today because of Claudeo and Lionel’s work, in addition to former tribal council members.
Tom Wadsworth, Tribal Fish and Game director also thanked Claudeo for his guidance on Treaty rights issues.
Chad Colter, Tribal Fish and Wildlife director, said the job Claudeo worked actually has the responsibility of speaking for the tribal council – you won’t find another job description here with the Tribes that has that responsibility to represent the Fort Hall Business Council.
Marquette Bagley and Claudeo pose for a photograph.
Tribal council members presented him with a couple of certificates of appreciation and a Pendleton blanket. The Osborne family also presented Claudeo a Pendleton blanket thanking him for his work and reminding them to know the areas they exercise their Treaty rights in.
Colter presented him a barbecue grill on behalf of the Upper Snake River Tribes Foundation, along with a gift certificate from Cal Ranch on behalf of his department.
He posed for photos with family members and coworkers.
A luncheon and cake were served to those in attendance.
