ISU NASS hosts annual sunrise ceremony with tribal support
Idaho State University faculty and staff, with Fort Hall Business Council members Devon Boyer and Lee Juan Tendoy, and NASS representatives.
By YVONNE WARJACK
Sho-Ban News
POCATELLO — Idaho State University community gathered early on the ISU Quad August 25 for the annual sunrise ceremony Native American Student Services (NASS) hosted.
The event welcomed students, faculty, staff, and community members to mark the beginning of the new school year in a spirit of unity and reflection.
The Shoshone-Bannock Tribes flag was raised, alongside the United States, at the ISU administration
building for the ceremony on August 25.
The ceremony featured remarks from ISU President Robert W. Wagner, who encouraged students to begin the semester with a fresh outlook and renewed determination. He emphasized the importance of strengthening the university’s relationship with the Shoshone-Bannock Tribes and expressed his commitment to continuing the tradition in partnership with Native students and communities.
ISU President Robert Wagner (right) speaks to attendees, with ISU Director of Tribal Relations
Echo Marshall.
He was joined by Echo Marshall, ISU’s Director of Tribal Relations, who emphasized the importance of building strong partnerships with Native nations and communities. Effie Hernandez, Native American Student Services coordinator, spoke about the role of student support services in helping learners succeed.
Adding to the significance of the morning, Fort Hall Business Council members Secretary Devon Boyer and Vice Chairman Lee Juan Tendoy, addressed the crowd. They highlighted the enduring connection between Idaho State University and the Shoshone-Bannock Tribes, encouraging students to carry forward their education with pride and responsibility.
ISU students and faculty and tribal representatives gathered.
As the sun rose over the ISU campus, the ceremony symbolized a new beginning for students and the community alike, blending tradition with academic growth. Attendees appeared to leave with a sense of inspiration and renewed commitment to the semester ahead.
