Parade inspires Native vote & future generations
U.S. Senate candidate Paulette Jordan and crew members ride in the November 2 Inspiring the Native Vote Parade.
By ROSELYNN YAZZIE
Sho-Ban News
FORT HALL — Shoshone-Bannock community members Sheryl Slim and Terry Racehorse organized a parade on Monday, November 2 with the purpose of inspiring the Native vote.
Slim said, “We are still trying to get our voices heard and have respected seats in government.”
She commended Democratic Candidate for U.S. Senate Paulette Jordan and Congressional Candidate Rudy Soto for what they’re doing and hope they know this community stands behind them.
Slim said Fort Hall made a good memory and the community working together can achieve great things when they put their heart and mind to it. They wanted to help and were grateful for all the support in the little time they had to plan.
They received donations for candy, goodie bags and for the stage, truck and emcee by the Fort Hall Casino Hotel.
Slim said her favorite part of the event was seeing the youth from Chief Tahgee Elementary Academy out to cheer on the parade. She said this is who we’re doing it for — for their future.
“I hope it's common in the future that there are more Native people running for office and in government seats,” she said. “Maybe one of those that were watching will run one day.”
In the future, Slim said she would like to see civic duty more enhanced and she hopes tribal youth are encouraged more to vote in all elections.
Chief Tahgee Elementary Academy students.
The parade began at Shoshone-Bannock Jr./Sr. High School and went down Hiline, to west Agency road, down around the Tribal Business Center to Councilmen Way, past Fort Hall Indian Health Service, through Fort Hall Housing, up Ross Fork Road, concluding at the Shoshone-Bannock Casino Hotel with a speaking portion.
The parade included the Fort Hall Police Department; Fort Hall Fire Department; Democratic Candidate for U.S. Senate Paulette Jordan; District 28 House Seat A State Representative candidate Mike Saville; Savagez Motorcycle Club; Fort Hall Business Council’s Chairman Devon Boyer; Member Nathan Small; Sergeant at Arms Lee Juan Tyler; Shoshone-Bannock Jr./Sr. High School students; Idaho State University students; and various tribal departments and community members.
Fort Hall Business Council Chairman Devon Boyer thanked everyone for their participation and everyone who helped organize the event. He encouraged everyone to go out and vote in a safe manner.
Lee Juan Tyler was invited to do a prayer for the event.
Councilman Nathan Small encouraged everyone to get out and vote because it's very important. He commended Paulette Jordan for being a champion for Idaho and all Native Americans across the United States. He encouraged people to vote for Mike Saville who will advocate for the return of the salmon.
Democratic Candidate for U.S. Senate Paulette Jordan said it’s important to get everyone out to vote and to encourage family members to also do so. She said all people deserve their right to a voice, especially our communities, which are always left out.
Jordan said, “I ask you for your vote, and I ask you to continue to get the word out.”
Jordan said she was grateful and explained the reason she does all of this is to ensure we have our sovereignty intact, our way of life, and again our connection to our land.
She expressed she was grateful to be in the presence of the Shoshone-Bannock people and it was good to hear the prayer and the songs, which woke the spirit up.
She said, “We’re not just in an election, we’re in a battle here, for our children’s future, a battle for nature and it’s important for Indigenous peoples to rise up and vote. The best way to show your love for your people and the love of the land is to vote. This is our battle cry.”
Jordan said if you have that right to vote, that sacred right then let's make sure that you are heard and you speak on behalf of all of us.
Jordan said with COVID it has made a twist on the election cycle, but she said they still did a lot of work, all while socially distancing and wearing a mask. She said although it was a little harder they still mobilized with the same energy.
Jordan said this kind of event was needed for the energy and is a good final kick off.
“It's the ultimate blessing to go into election night, with good feeling, with prayer. To be purified in such a way. I feel cleansed when I come out here to be with our people. We operate in such a powerful way,” she said. She agreed with Councilman Tyler for his words on explaining this is how we fight but also how we stay connected to our ancestors.
Mike Saville, candidate for District 28 House Seat A State Representative talked about growing up in Idaho and seeing the salmon disappear over the years. He said he will work to bring the salmon back because it’s really important.
Saville said Fort Hall was a very important area that votes for him.
Candidate Mike Saville talks to people.
He said the parade was really great because it brings people out and also shows enthusiasm for those in the parade. He said it was great to see the turnout.
Saville talked about voting statistics in Idaho and how not all those who are eligible to vote do.
“When everybody votes they have more of a buy in into our government so people have to understand that,” he said.
Saville said he has no allegiance to any party and the most important thing is to get involved. He said even if you don't know who you’re voting for, vote and just pay attention.
He was happy to see Paulette Jordan again and commended her leadership skills and said he thinks she can do the job.
