EISF Native Department highlights Shoshone-Bannock culture
A variety of dresses at the EISF Native American Department.
By LORI EDMO-SUPPAH
Sho-Ban News
BLACKFOOT —Eastern Idaho State Fair Native American Department superintendent Anna Bowers would like to see more entries next year and believes online entries may have had some impact this year.
She said many EISF departments had less entries and there were no catalogs sent out. Next year she would like to have the Shoshone-Bannock Tribes Culture and Language Department come in to judge.
“I really appreciate all the tribal members that come out and display their stuff as people are able to see the old designs versus the new,” Bowers said. Some brought in a lot of items. Beadwork and bread making were highlighted she would like to see more elk tooth dresses. She would also like to see bigger items such as saddles and baskets.
Bowers said this year’s judge Clinton Houtz asked why they don’t see bigger items come in. It was also suggested to have tribal members come in and watch the judging.
She appreciated Houtz’ expertise in judging as he paid attention to detail – such as if an item was sewn right and whether a jingle dress had 365 jingles on it. “Maybe it was traditional or non traditional – he knew what to look for,” she continued. “He was a really good judge.”
Next year she also would like to see different categories for the special prizes and intends to consult with the Culture and Language Department for ideas.
Cradleboards on display at the Native American Department.
Winners of this year’s special prizes include the following: Indian bread: Nita Teton; any size beaded stick barrette: Mary Papse; any bead horse regalia: J.W. Ball; cut bead only men’s moccasin: Tino Batt; cut bead only men’s moccasin: Tino Batt; fully beaded cut bead women’s moccasin: Tino Batt; any bead old style high top moccasin with brass buttons: Evelyn Broncho; real elk took dress: Lori Edmo-Suppah; reservation hats with any bead hat bands: Mary Papse; traditional handbag beaded starting 8x11: Dillion Sage Ball; traditional complete outfit: Leroy Gonzales; traditional complete outfit women: Larry Teton and pipe bag: Tino Batt. Batt said he would like to thank Debra Jay and Yvonne Capps for making some of the items, as he is the owner.
Bowers said concerning items brought in made by someone else other than the person entering it, it belongs to the individual that owns it.
She also said their consignment policy changed and the individual is responsible for sales taxes. Allowing the consignment is a courtesy from the Tribes, as they don’t charge for consignment items.
Because of the added day of the EISF, Bowers said they had 10 workers this year and everything seems to be going well.
Fort Hall Business Council members will be coming into to select council member choice awards on September 7.
Those who submitted items can pick them up on Sunday, September 10 between 10 a.m. to 2 p.m.
Superintendent Choice Award.
Language & Culture to host sewing day September 16
FORT HALL — Language and Culture Preservation Department sewing day is Saturday, September 16 from 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. at the LCPD Building (old police station).
Bring your own material, thread, jingles, etc. Provided are: sewing machines, scissors, pins and needles.
LCPD staff will be there to help assist you make a wing dress, ribbon shirt or help you finish a sewing project.
Call 236-1185 or 236-1187 for more information.
