Artist Tal Sampson continues to honor Chief Pocatello legacy, presents new portrait to Shoshone-Bannock Tribes
Fort Hall Business Council was presented with a new portrait of Chief Pocatello by local artist Tal Sampson on December 18. (Photos courtesy of the Office of Public Affairs)
By ROSELYNN YAZZIE
Office of Public Affairs
FORT HALL — Nearly two decades after beginning a single painting, renowned local artist Tal Sampson presented a new limited-edition portrait honoring Chief Pocatello to the Shoshone-Bannock Tribes on December 19.
The painting is the result of artistic dedication through historical research and a special connection to the Chief Pocatello family.
The oil painting is a third reproduction of an original work that began in 2006. The donated piece is one of only 25 artist proofs that will ever be produced. The original piece earned the President’s Award at Idaho State University and Sampson continued to refine it over the years.
“I kept changing it, repainting it again and again,” Sampson said. “I always felt like I owed it to the story, to the Pocatello family, and to myself to paint it the way it was meant to be.”
Tal Sampson with the Chief Pocatello portrait.
There are no known photographs of Chief Pocatello in existence, so Sampson relied on historical research, written accounts, and the Pocatello family photographs to create a respectful representation. The painting portrays Chief Pocatello as a younger leader, at 30 years old, during what he described as a cultural “golden age,” a time when horse culture and buffalo hunting were central to life.
“This image doesn’t just represent Chief Pocatello,” Sampson explained. “It represents all the great chiefs, all the great men of that time period.”
He added, the painting was intentionally created from a Native perspective rather than a westernized or Hollywood interpretation. Central to the artwork is the buffalo skull inspired by a gift from Sampson’s grandfather and a recurring, powerful figure throughout his work.
Sampson’s relationship with the Chief Pocatello family spans more than 15 years. After donating earlier portraits, he worked closely with Tribal leadership and was eventually adopted by the family as a brother, this honor continues to guide his artistic responsibility.
Armena Fred, a member of the Pocatello family, said Sampson brought the family together to unveil and approve the image. She said the painting resonated across generations as relatives recognized familiar faces and shared lineage reflected in the artwork.
“Everyone loved it,” Fred said. “It was just beautiful, and everyone was in favor of it. I think it’s awesome.”
Donna Thompson, Chairwoman of the Fort Hall Business Council, expressed her appreciation for Sampson’s continued generosity and respect for the people.
“Tal’s work continues to honor the legacy of Chief Pocatello in a way that is respectful to our people,” Thompson said. “We are grateful for his generosity and for the care he puts into representing our history.”
