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Farmer retires after 53-year career at Sho-Ban Tribes, FHHA
By LORI ANN EDMO
Sho-Ban News
FORT HALL — Thelma Farmer said she intends to get more things done around her house after working for 53 years total for the Shoshone-Bannock Tribes and the Fort Hall Housing Authority (FHHA).
Her last day of work was July 31. She was employed with the Shoshone-Bannock Tribes for 26 years then the Fort Hall Housing Authority for 27 years. She started working in 1972 as a receptionist in the old tribal office, she then went to work at the Indian Action Team and Home Improvement Program (HIP). In 1998, she said the HIP was transferred to FHHA, so she continued working there, along with the late Lonnie Racehorse and the rest of their team. “It’s been good,” she said. “You know the years have gone by really fast.” (cont.)
In other news...
By ROSELYNN YAZZIE
Office of Public Affairs
BLACKFOOT — The Fort Hall Business Council (FHBC) picked their Special Awards on September 4, recognizing outstanding entries from the Native American Department at the Eastern Idaho State Fair.
FHBC Chairwoman Donna Thompson took on the challenge of reviewing more than 700 entries before selecting her top choices on behalf of the Council. Her decision reflected the creativity, skill, and pride shown by Tribal artists.
This year’s winners include:
Chairwoman’s Choice Award: Mardel Butler for her beaded turquoise vest with a vibrant geometric pattern throughout. (cont.)
By LIZZIE BOYD
Sho-Ban News
FORT HALL — It has been 22 years since Jon Marc Skunkcap started relay racing, he recalls starting his career racing at the young age of 11 years old starting with a chief race for Mountain Timber relay team.
Skunkcap is now 33 years old and said he remembers starting relay racing when he was thirteen years old.
Jon started riding relay horses cause his dad James was also a jockey, Jon looked up to a few mentors, his dad James Tone, his uncle Hardee Skunkcap, Alonzo Coby and his main idol was Willie Kirkaldee from Montana, and wanted to be like him and mimics his style by riding with no hands when coming into the finish line. (cont.)
By ROSELYNN YAZZIE
Office of Public Affairs
POCATELLO — The Friends of Edson Fichter Nature Area opened their annual Edson Fichter Nature Talks Series on September 3, 2025 with a presentation on the Shoshone-Bannock Tribal History in the Portneuf Valley.
Nolan Brown, Original Territories and Historical Research Program Manager, and Bailey Dann, Research Program and Education Specialist with the Tribes’ Language & Culture Preservation Department, were invited by Friends President Jane Streubel to share their knowledge. The presentation focused on Tribal history, language, and the importance of protecting natural resources. (cont.)
From last week...
By LORI ANN EDMO
Sho-Ban News
FORT HALL — A Ninth Circuit Court of Appeals panel ruled in August in favor of the Shoshone-Bannock Tribes regarding the Blackrock land exchange.
The panel affirmed the district court’s 2023 ruling that a proposed land exchange between the Bureau of Land Management and Simplot Corporation violates federal law and the government’s trust responsibility to the protect the interests of the Tribes in lands ceded under an 1898 agreement. (cont.)
FORT HALL — The Fort Hall Housing Authority (FHHA) has been diligently working to develop more housing for the Shoshone-Bannock membership that applied for the homeownership program.
The recent project involved 20 homes that were developed in two phases on scattered sites within the boundaries of the Fort Hall Indian Reservation said DeRena Tuell, FHHA Housing Development specialist. (cont.)
FORT HALL — Rep. Mike Simpson, (R-Idaho) is advancing funds to replace the Sheepskin Water Tank on the Fort Hall Indian Reservation in the Fiscal Year 2026 Interior, Environment and Related Agencies Appropriations Act.
Simpson is chairman of the House Interior and Environment Appropriations Subcommittee that’s including $13 million in funds for the State and Tribal Assistance Grants (STAG) for the cities of American Falls, Bellevue, Fort Hall, and Rigby through Community Project Funding. (cont.)
