Early Childhood students cut the ribbon to mark the opening of the new gymnasium at the ceremony on April 26.
By LORI ANN EDMO
Sho-Ban News
FORT HALL — The vision for a Shoshone-Bannock Early Childhood gymnasium has become reality with the official ribbon cutting of the facility April 26 that featured the children, tribal leaders and program staff.
Valerie Gardner, a program specialist from Region 11 of the Administration of Children and Families Office of Head Start, was also present. She assisted in getting one time funding for the facility. It was her first time in Fort Hall and she was excited for the ribbon cutting of the facility.
Planning Director Alonzo Coby served as emcee as a group of singers featuring the After School program participants and their teacher Chasen Coby opened the event.
Four Fort Hall Business Council members were present to offer comments. Treasurer Ladd Edmo gave the opening prayer. Vice Chairperson Donna Thompson said she’s excited for the children and thanked those present, along with the program staff for bringing it forward. “Everyone’s hard work – Claudia Washakie had a hand in it and we hope the kids will take care of the new building,” she said.
Early Childhood Program drum group sings at the Ribbon Cutting with the attendees in the crowd.
FHBC Chairman Lee Juan Tyler said it was good to be here with the songs from the heart. He noted he used to be a Head Start bus driver back when the program was located on the Fort Hall Townsite. He said they students are number one, “they are our future.”
Ladd said it’s great to see things such as it funded and had to rely on people in Washington D.C. as the program is through federal funds. “I’m happy to be a part of it, to share with community members, it’s a great day and a great event,” he said. Edmo noted the existing building was too small but they waited. He gave thanks to the contractors, tribal departments, Early Childhood staff, “above all the students – they will benefit,” and eventually there may be rising stars.
Students excitedly open the doors.
Claudia Washakie, FHBC secretary, wanted to thank first and foremost the Early Childhood staff. “I worked here for six years, thank you to Glenda, her staff, Rojera and staff, along with Stephanie Skunkcap and her staff.” She said it’s hard to take care of someone else’s kids, but very important to give dedication love and support to the children on a daily basis, “You can have hard days — I thank them for their hard work and dedication,” Washakie said. “These children are important to them, you’re their teachers when away from parents. Head Start, Child Care and tribal funds help pay for the gym.
Glenda Marshall, Early Childhood director, said the gym was built for our children here because they didn’t have space for them to play in the existing building other than a big large room. The gym is well needed, “I’m excited to seem them to come play,” She noted the gym has a divider in it so there can be two classrooms at once in it. Work to get it built started before COVID hit, then there was a delay, because the funding took time. The groundbreaking was a year ago and the total cost is close to $3 million for the building.
A youth basketball player on the new gymnasium court.
Rojera Coby Yazzie, Child Care administrative assistant, said the gym has been a long time coming. “I had a vision a long time ago,” She said it’s to promote physical fitness, a safe place to play in the winter, cultural activities and family gatherings. She said local artist Kira Murillo, a former After School participant, will be doing a couple of murals for the gym – one on the cement on the outside and one in the front with the Early Childhood Program logo.
The children will utilize the gym starting May 1 after a schedule is created for the classrooms. There is a second floor that will be for the teachers and staff. They’re hoping to get work out equipment so it can be an exercise area.
In addition to the gym area with bleachers on one side, there is two bathrooms, along with another one with a changing table.