By LORI ANN EDMO
Sho-Ban News
FORT HALL — Healing With Water is the theme for the 23rd Annual Grief Conference March 16 and 17 – Travis Martin, Shoshone-Bannock Tribal Health and Human Services director, said there’s so much water does for us.

“It’s important that our ancestors taught us that we respect water, pray for water and provide water into our lives,” he continued. Presenters and activities helped attendees with healing such as ice breakers, along with crafts projects. (cont.)

By YVONNE WARJACK
Sho-Ban News
FORT HALL — A year-long youth project at Fort Hall combined climate education, cultural teaching, land-based learning, and intergenerational leadership to help young people explore the connection between environmental change and Shoshone-Bannock homelands.

The project, known as Sacred Wisdom Weavers – also described by organizers as Sacred Wisdom Keepers during its development — was led by Jeanette Wolfley through the Spirit Aligned Leadership program, Circle 6, with Yvonne Warjack serving as Future Legacy Leader. The effort was supported by Align Spirit, an initiative of the Rockefeller Foundation focused on climate change in Tribal communities across the United States. (cont.)

By YVONNE WARJACK
Sho-Ban News
FORT HALL — On day two of the Shoshone-Bannock Tribes Waapi Kani Mental Wellness and Recovery Healing With Water Grief Conference March 17, Eleena Eldridge focused on her recovery journey.

She talked about the relationship between grief, trauma and substance abuse. She described alcohol use beginning in adolescence and continuing into adulthood, eventually escalating alongside family separation, housing instability, and legal involvement. A custody change involving her oldest son marked a major turning point, followed by increased substance use and separation from her children.

She also recounted a 2014 vehicle crash that resulted in severe injuries and the death of her partner, Isaiah. The event became central to her healing process. After continued struggles and relapse, Eldridge described entering recovery, participating in Alcoholics Anonymous, and rebuilding stability through structured support. (cont.)

By LIZZIE BOYD
Sho-Ban News
FORT HALL — Cambrie Waterhouse is a freshman at College of Southern Idaho (CSI) and plays on the Golden Eagles women’s basketball team.

CSI is ranked number 11 in region 18 and the CSI Golden Eagles won the Region 18 Championship defeating Salt Lake Community College 65-46 on March 13 at home in Twin Falls. (cont.)