By JOSEPH WADSWORTH
Sho-Ban News
FORT HALL — The Shoshone-Bannock Tribes Primary Election was March 27 where Louise Dixey received the most votes with 287, Michael Tindore received 241 votes and Lemuel Stone 232 votes. Bobbie Jo Penney received 227 votes, Claudia Janese Washakie with 207 and Jamie Dawn Bache 182 votes.

The top three advance to the May 29 General Election and will run against Fort Hall Business Council incumbents Ronald Todd Appenay, Devon Boyer and Donna Thompson. (cont.)

FORT HALL — The Shoshone-Bannock Tribes are deeply saddened to announce the passing of William “Bill” F. Bacon, who died in an automobile accident on March 26, 2026.

The Tribes honor his extraordinary 37 years of dedicated service, including 12 years as Tribal Judge and 24 years as General Counsel, during which he served as a tireless advocate for tribal sovereignty and a steadfast protector of the Tribes’ rights and future.

Working closely with his legal team, Bacon advanced the Tribes’ interests through landmark legal victories that strengthened tribal sovereignty, protected treaty rights, and secured critical resources for future generations. (cont.)

By YVONNE WARJACK
Sho-Ban News

FORT HALL — Steve Hardy has developed a growing body of photography that captures moments from everyday life, wildlife, and community events across the Fort Hall area through his platform, “Happy Hardy Photos.”

Hardy, who works professionally as a grant superintendent, began photography around 2010 as a hobby using entry-level DSLR equipment. Over time, his interest expanded, leading him to invest more in camera systems, lenses, and technical skills such as composition and lighting. His work has since developed into a structured side business, while continuing to operate as a passion-driven pursuit.

The name Happy Hardy Photos was created with support from coworkers, including a suggestion from Jeff Broncho, along with encouragement from Jarena and others who helped shape the early branding and design. While the project has grown, Hardy has maintained a steady approach to building it, focusing on the work itself rather than full commercialization. His photography spans multiple subjects, including wildlife, powwows, and community gatherings. His approach centers on documenting moments as they occur, with an emphasis on capturing scenes that may not always be noticed. His earlier work focused on documentary-style photography, and although he has recently concentrated on birds and wildlife, his work continues to include community-centered imagery. (cont.)

By LORI ANN EDMO
Sho-Ban News
FORT HALL — When Mark Trahant started writing his next book, it was going to be an academic book focusing on history, but he said when one looks at the 20th Century, Native women really decided what happened for so many of the “really big events.”

As a result, the Shoshone-Bannock journalist and author’s next book, “A Century of MS. Chief” has a long chapter he calls “the greatest of all time,” and it really focuses on four women – Lucy Covington, Helen Petersen, Ada Deer and Wilma Mankiller. (cont.)

By LORI ANN EDMO
Sho-Ban News
FORT HALL — Community members were educated about camas and the Shoshone language March 20 at Sho-Ban Jr./Sr. High School.

Shoshone-Bannock Language and Culture Preservation Department staff hosted the event to acknowledge the arrival of spring.

A meal of chili, fruit, corn bread and frybread Veldina Tissidmit prepared was served prior to a Nomiakwainde Nuhi (traveling from place to place) game Bailey Dann and Nolan Brown learned from the Comanches at the National Indian Education Association conference. (cont.)

By LORI ANN EDMO
Sho-Ban News
FORT HALL — Participants scraped chokecherry wood and attached elk antler for the handle at the Shoshone-Bannock Tribes Language and Culture Preservation Department Poto (digging stick) workshop March 21 at the Shoshone-Bannock Jr./Sr. High School.

Nolan Brown, LCPD Original Territories manager, said they were just teaching the basics in making the digging sticks. Because of warm weather participants were able to sit outside to debark the chokecherry wood. They used knives and hatchets to scrape the wood off. (cont.)

By MICHAEL STEELE
Tribal Policy Analyst
WASHINGTON D.C. — Fort Hall Business Council Chairwoman Donna Thompson traveled to Washington D.C. from March 17-18 to testify on behalf of the Shoshone-Bannock Tribes during Native American Witness Days hosted by the House Interior and Environment Subcommittee on Appropriations, chaired by Congressman Mike Simpson.

During her testimony, Thompson continued her advocacy to increase funding and staffing for the Indian Health Service (IHS) and Bureau of Indian Affairs (BIA). Thompson explained, “Funding for IHS should be made fully mandatory to truly uphold the federal Treaty and Trust responsibility.” She also offered, “With a 35% vacancy rate, it is critical that IHS fix the broken hiring process…” and requested congressional oversight to ensure IHS focuses on improving health care services. (cont.)