By ROSELYNN WAHTOMY
Sho-Ban News
FORT HALL – Crystal Dawn Ariwite is vying for the title of Miss Shoshone-Bannock.
She is 19 and the daughter of the late Christi Jay and Roderick Ariwite.
Ariwite is a jingle dress dancer and has also danced fancy.
Her main reason to run for Miss Shoshone-Bannock is to get everyone back into the culture, particularly to inspire the youth. She wants youth to know they are the future and with education and knowing the language will make the people stronger.
Her platform for Miss Shoshone-Bannock is, “Denewap: Our way of life and encourage education at all levels.” She plans to spread her message by visiting area schools to read, speak, dance, cook and share language and song.
“I will be a voice for our Native youth, I will let all know that language and our ceremonies are alive,” said Ariwite. (cont.)
By ROSELYNN WAHTOMY
Sho-Ban News
FORT HALL – Atalya Benally, 19, is one of the contestants for Miss Shoshone-Bannock. For her traditional talent she will demonstrate gutting salmon. The traditional dish she will prepare is salmon.
Benally’s Indian Name is Shining Star. She is the daughter of Ezra and Tillie Benally and the granddaughter of Clarence Benally Sr. and the late Elizabeth Benally and late Phillip and Sharon Jiron of Dupree, SD. Both of her grandfathers are veterans. She has one sister, Ashra, and one brother, Savon, who will escort her during the pageant.
Her hootsie, Elizabeth, was Agai Dika and that became a big part of her culture with her family.
Elizabeth was born in Fort Hall and moved to Salmon where she lived and was raised but moved back when she met Clarence. (cont.)
By LORI EDMO-SUPPAH
Sho-Ban News
FORT HALL — Effie Hernandez is running for Miss Shoshone-Bannock.
She is the daughter of Chemille “Angie” H. Fisher and Aaron Brewer. She is the granddaughter of the late Joyce Ballard and Angelo Hernandez. Her escort will be her stepfather Glenn Fisher.
Effie will be dancing traditional and for her traditional dish will prepare “Dah-ho.” Her traditional talent is poetry.
She learned her cultural values from both her Mexican and Native American families. “I have always been influenced by my family members to learn the language, dance, pray, and listen to the stories of our elders. To be proud of who you are, where you come from, and to never feel ashamed.”
Effie said as a junior in high school, she became familiar with a program called Helping Orient Indigenous Student and Teachers (HOIST). (cont.)
By MONTE MCKEAN
Sho-Ban News
FORT HALL— Jennifer Frances Murillo is a candidate for Miss Shoshone-Bannock.
She is 22 years old and is the daughter of Larry and Rita Murillo. Her Indian name is Donziape, which means Rose.
Jennifer’s dance style is traditional and the traditional dish she’s preparing is tea. Her talent is about plant medicine.
Her beliefs and values are strongly centered on being a good person. She has strong family values. “Spiritual, emotional, physical, and mental health are all equally important in our journeys.”
She graduated from Century High School in 2013 with highest honors, in 2013/14 NFCA scholar athlete, was on ISU College of Science and Engineering dean’s list six times and she graduated with a degree in biomedical sciences with honor’s distinction from the UHP (ISU), and obtained a national phlebotomy certification. (cont.)
• August 17-21, 2017 – 99th Annual Crow Fair at Crow Agency, Montana. “Tee Pee Capital of the World!” Contest powwow, many categories and specials. Singing contest.
• August 25-27, 2017 – 26th Annual Gathering at the Falls Powwow at Lilac Bowl, Riverfront Park, Spokane, Washington. Contest powwow. Drum contest. Grand Entry 7 p.m. Friday and 1 p.m. & 7 p.m. Saturday. 5th Annual Youth Powwow & Family Fun Day 12 p.m. Sunday. Miss & Junior Miss Gathering at the Falls pageant. For more information visit gatfpowwow.org, Facebook at Gathering at the Falls Powwow or call Shane Garcia at (509) 590-5044.
• August 25-27, 2017 – 10th Annual Honoring Traditions Gathering & Powwow at 10779 Hwy 76, Pala, California. For more information visit on Facebook: facebook.com/palapw or call (760) 891-3590.