Chief Tendoy Grave Monument gets new fence
New fence at the Chief Tendoy Grave Monument.
By ROSELYNN YAZZIE
Sho-Ban News
SALMON — Chief Tendoy Grave Monument has a new fence after the collaborative efforts of the Shoshone-Bannock Language & Culture Preservation Department (LCPD) and the Bureau of Land Management Salmon Field Office.
Geena Black, Student Field Office Archaeologist for BLM Salmon Field Office, explained the fence has been on her field manager’s priority list, but progress is slow due to the government process.
The update was long overdue and the old chain link fence was unappealing and outdated as it was done in the 60s to protect the monument from looters.
Now out of that era, they wanted to do something to make the site more respectful. The BLM Salmon Field Office and LCPD funded the endeavor. The estimated cost of the Chief Tendoy Fence Project was $6,000. It was installed on April 25 and 26 and finishing touches are still taking place, but it should be completed by May 10, pending the weather.
LCPD and BLM Salmon Field Office staff at the monument before the new fence is installed.
Black first proposed ideas for a black rod iron fence and LCPD expressed that wouldn’t blend in with the landscape, which is something they would prefer. She continued searching for fencing that could be custom-painted and found a company that could offer the service. From there they got measurements of the fence using the existing post holes.
Anna Bowers, Cultural Resources Technician from the Heritage Tribal Office/Cultural Resources, thanks all those for their assistance.
“This project enhances the overall view of our Chief Tendoy Monument. The accomplishment of this project inspires and reinforces the need to continue on our path to protect and preserve our Shoshone and Bannock ancestral cultural resources,” said Bowers.
Since its initial installation locals told tribal members and the BLM it looks so much better.
It’s Black’s mission to keep working on updates, although it may take time.
