By ROSELYNN YAZZIE
Sho-Ban News
FORT HALL — A sunrise ceremony paid tribute to the anniversary of the Fort Bridger Treaty of 1868 on Friday, July 3 at the Fort Hall Rodeo grounds, where social distance measures were followed according to the safety plan.

The event was organized by the Shoshone-Bannock Tribes Language & Culture Department. Ernest Wahtomy said the prayer for the event and Clyde “Duke” Dixey Sr. smudged participants. Nelson Fred and Bird Osborne sang Sundance songs to greet the morning as it rose over the mountains. (cont.)

FORT HALL — Fort Hall resident Billie Jo Kaiyou, 41, succumbed to her injuries after she and two others were taken to Portneuf Medical Center after a white four door sedan collided with a Union Pacific freight train July 7 at the intersection of Highway 91 and Sheepskin Road.

The two other occupants of the vehicle were Kayla Yupe, 23, and Cordell Tissidimit, 22, both of Fort Hall. (cont.)

FORT HALL — The Shoshone-Bannock Casino gaming floor
However, casino officials said the individual was not at work for possible exposure so there is little potential for any exposures and contact tracers were notified.was closed until Wednesday, July 8, after a casino employee tested positive for COVID-19.

The gaming floor shutdown on Monday, July 6 at 3 p.m. for deep cleaning and sanitizing. The Hotel remains open. (cont.)

By DANA HERNANDEZ
Sho-Ban News
FORT HALL — On July 3, Shoshone-Bannock tribal member Gwen Dupris was observed participating in an “Honoring Treaties” walk along Highway 91 from the bridge at Blackfoot River to the Veteran’s Monument in Fort Hall.

Her walk was on the day the Tribes’ recognize the Fort Bridger Treaty of 1868.

Dupris said it was a very hot walk and while she was walking cars were honking. She wore her regalia and carried a sign that read, “Honor Treaties” and when asked why she was walking, she stated, “I am walking to honor our veterans and our leaders.” Various tribal members posted pictures of Dupris walking alongside Highway 91, and it was stated on Facebook, that anyone who wanted to join Dupris was more than welcome to join her. (cont.)

FORT HALL — The COVID-19 pandemic has resulted in the cancellation of the 2020 Shoshone-Bannock Festival said coordinator Wendy Farmer.

The 2021 Shoshone-Bannock Festival is scheduled August 12 to 15.

Farmer said the decision to cancel the Festival was a hard decision but wanted to wait until June 30 to observe and monitor the COVID-19 pandemic, “It is unknown and was hopeful that it would pass before the summer time powwow season but unfortunately the reality of the virus has not gone away and continues to rapidly spread. This pandemic is truly changing our way of living not only in traditional gathering but everyday life.” (cont.)

By DANA HERNANDEZ
Sho-Ban News
FORT HALL — Shoshone-Bannock Tribal Health Education Manager, Rebecca Washakie brought COVID-19 awareness and training to Tribal Election clerks and observers for the June 26 Primary Election.

Clerks and observers were given a demonstration June 25 on how to wear and dispose of gloves and masks, and were also informed about COVID-19 facts and how to stay protected. (cont.)