‘Beyond the Land Acknowledgement’ theme emphasized at ISU Indigenous Peoples Day

Native participants in the 2026 ISU Indigenous Peoples Day Fashion Show, showcasing traditional and contemporary clothing styles, at the Pond Student Union Ballroom in Pocatello on Monday, October 12, 2026.

By JEREMY SHAY
Sho-Ban News
POCATELLO — The annual Idaho State University Indigenous Peoples Day event opening celebrated the continued partnership of the institution and the Shoshone-Bannock Tribes at the Pond Student Union ballroom on Monday, October 12, 2026.

The event is open to the public each year, including free admission.

Fort Hall Business Council members and tribal members participated in the celebration, including a grand entry with Veterans posting colors, Native dancers and host drum Spring Creek singing a flag and victory song. Sho-Ban tribal elder Pete Yellowjohn gave the prayer.

FHBC Chairwoman Donna Thompson speaks to attendees during the opening reception at ISU.

Miss Shoshone-Bannock Tay’a Osborne and Miss Native ISU Danella Perry Murphy both welcomed attendees to the event.

Tribal member and ISU alumnus Tyson Shay emceed the event, and he explained to students and staff each of the traditions of the grand entry ceremony.

Local royalty Miss Native ISU Danella Murphy (left) and Miss Sho-Ban Tay’a Osborne during the
opening grand entry.

FHBC Chairwoman Donna Thompson greeted everyone in attendance, “This year’s theme, ‘Beyond the Land Acknowledgment: Indigenous Knowledge. Sovereignty In Action’ — invites us to reflect on an important question: What does acknowledgement mean if it does not change how we listen, how we learn, and how we treat one another? I need to recognize the relationship between the Shoshone-Bannock Tribes and Idaho State University. Our communities are intertwined in ISU’s continued growth, brings opportunities for education, collaboration, and economic development that benefits this entire region,” said Thompson.

“To our students, your voices matter, your curiosity, your curiosity matters. You are not only learning about the world as it exists today, you’re going to help shape the world that future generations inherit. So, I ask each of you to take one step beyond acknowledgement, learn the history of the tribal nations whose homelands you share.”

ISU President Robert Wagner gave a welcome address to participants, “I’m honored to welcome our students, faculty staff, alumni, tribal leaders, community members, and guests who have joined us today. I especially want to acknowledge our partners and friends from the Shoshone-Bannock Tribes and Chairwoman Thompson,” said President Wagner. “Idaho State University is located within the ancestral homelands of the Shoshone and Bannock peoples, and our relationship with the tribes is one we deeply value. Idaho State University is celebrating our 125th year as an institution. However, the fact is not lost on me, that 125 years is simply a fraction — a fraction of the time that this land has been inhabited by Indigenous peoples.”

Attendees were treated to a brunch as part of the food sovereignty presentation
by tribal member chef Lloyd George.

President Wager continued, “This year’s theme asks us to think about acknowledgment, the land and its original peoples — our responsibility is to ensure those words are reflected in our relationships, our decisions, and the experiences of our students. For me, going beyond the land acknowledgment also means ensuring there is greater and more visible tribal presence throughout our university and at our most important events. We have been intentional about increasing that visibility, from tribal representation and our commencement ceremonies, and the president’s Fall address to projects such as the Rendezvous tribal alcove, and the work ahead for us to incorporate tribal history, culture, and presence into places such as Red Hill, and there is much more to come. These efforts send an important message: Tribal nations and Native people are not only part of the history of this place — they are part of Idaho State University today, and they will be part of its future.”

Shoshone-Bannock flutist Hovia Edwards performs during the brunch.

The annual Indigenous Peoples Day celebration daytime programming featured a variety of presentations by Shoshone-Bannock tribal members, and ISU alumni and students highlighting various Indigenous perspectives. The event is made possible by coordination from the ISU Native American Student Services, including NASS coordinator Summer Baldwin and Director of Tribal Relations Echo Marshall, in addition to ISU student volunteers.

An Indigenous Food Sovereignty introduction presentation was given and hosted by Sho-Ban tribal member Lloyd George, a brunch served to participants followed.

During the brunch, entertainment was provided by Shoshone-Bannock tribal musician Hovia Edwards. She performed various songs on a traditional flute.

The 2026 event saw a keynote address given by Shoshone-Bannock Tribes assistant general counsel and tribal member Gaylen Edmo, addressing tribal sovereignty in action — including treaties signed by the Shoshone-Bannock Tribes, and those ratified by the U.S. Government, when acknowledging traditional hunting rights for Native people.

Local vendors were set up for participants. Registered participants received a bag and various ISU merchandise items.

Tribal elder RoseAnn Abrahamson conducts a tipi presentation and demonstration with ISU student assistance.

Afternoon presentations included a tipi presentation by Sho-Ban tribal elder RoseAnn Abrahamson. After inclement weather forced the morning demonstration to be canceled, Abrahamson instead invited ISU student volunteers to assist in a visual demonstration of a tipi raising. She shared stories and traditional cultural teachings passed down from generations about the significance of tipi construction and deconstructed the meanings for those present.

Finishing out the daytime programming, a student and alumni oratorical competition was conducted, followed by a powwow dance presentation. Faculty, participating students and attendees joined hands for a round dance to conclude the daytime portion of the program.

ISU Indigenous Peoples Day Fashion Show attendees at the Pond Student Union Ballroom October 12.

Evening session
The ISU Indigenous Peoples Day celebration concluded in the evening on October 12 with a Fashion Show presentation, showcasing various traditional and contemporary Indigenous clothing styles, modeled by Shoshone-Bannock tribal members, Native ISU students and community members.

Amelia Marsh wears a ribbon skirt in the fashion show.

The show was emceed by tribal member and ISU alumnus Tyson Shay. ISU Native American Student Council (NASC) officer Michael Bahe greeted the evening attendees and introduced the fashion show.

Sho-Ban tribal members Susan Avila Dixey and Kaycee Dixey sang a traditional song to kick off the night.
The inspiration for the fashion show was credited to artist Christian Allaire’s “The Power of Style” which explores a deeper side of fashion beyond clothing — interpretations like storytelling, cultural expression and identity, according to the ISU Indigenous Peoples Day program by NASS.

ISU’s Benny the Bengal and PCSD 25 Middle School Native Princess Enika Whelan
take a photo at the fashion show.

Following are the names of the participating students, alumni and community members: Sara Jo Andrus, KiRae Gonzalez, Marizina Singer, Jessineh Haze, Adrianna Colter, Maverick Harrington, Michaela Strickland, Amelia Marsh, Madison M. Burns, Rosalee Tendoy, Parvaneh Colter, Dulton Johnson Jr., Minnow Littlejohn, Mira Ariwite, Raliah Marshall, Roger Solis, Teigen Handerson, Kelsey Ann Bear, JennaVecia Stagner, Tanaya Wadsworth, Mika Funmaker, Tee’Araha Little Rain Anderson, Quinn Rodriguez, Kiauna Shongutsie, Humble Dozah Coby, Arianny Hernandez, Susan Avila Dixey, Enika Mae Whelan and Randy’L Teton.

ISU Bengal football player and Seminole Nation student Maverick Harrington displays new logo
created for the first Native American Heritage game upcoming on October 24.