Appreciate Women event honors sisterhood

Caroline Racehorse received a Pendleton blanket from Fort Hall Business Council member
Donna Thompson.

By ROSELYNN YAZZIE
Sho-Ban News
FORT HALL — The Appreciate Women’s event took place on Saturday, March 30 at Shoshone-Bannock Jr./Sr. High School and was meant to honor sisterhood and allow them the opportunity to share and visit with one another.

The day began with a prayer and song offered by Chief Tahgee Elementary (CTEA) students, under the direction of Merlin Steady. Emceeing the event was Nancy Eschief Murillo.  

Lori Ann Edmo explained how she saw surrounding communities come together to celebrate Women’s History Month and she wanted to see something done for the Tribes. In the past she did her part to acknowledge Shoshone-Bannock women who made history by writing a story about them.

“We all appreciate you,” she said. “Without the women in our tribe we wouldn’t be where we’re at. We wouldn’t have our children and our offspring. I think it’s just important to let people know that we appreciate all of our tribal women and the difference you make in our lives.”

She commended her mother and grandmother for the significant teachings they passed down.

When it cam to coming up with the agenda of the event she said the Language & Culture Preservation Department thought it was important to carry on the deniwappe, or the tribal teachings to the young people. 

There are 123 tribal elder women from 75 to 100 years old.

Emaline George was the keynote speaker.

Miss Shoshone-Bannock Jennie Whitehorse did the welcome for the event; she talked about the importance of women as the givers of life and how the event was meant to show the roles as Shoshone and Bannock women. 

CTEA Shoshone Language Instructor Emaline George spoke about women’s roles.

She started by talking about the importance of the language and encouraged learning and speaking the Shoshone and Bannock language.

She shared her experiences in going to school, getting her education, and the prejudices they faced, as well as the sad times when they were being disciplined for being who they were.

She acknowledged the elders, the ancestors and women who came before and made the way for the people. 

She remembered the Bannock people ways and how when they spoke, it seemed as if they were saying things in a mean way. The Shoshones hardly ever raised their voice. She said both were successful in raising them. She feels good today about where the people come from.

Things she was taught by her grandmother was to pray when the sun comes up and to be careful when the sun comes down. 

She said there were many strong women throughout the reservation and across the nation doing good things.

She encouraged the kids going to CTEA for getting the education while learning the language. 

Louise Dixey, L&CP Director recognized all the language instructors and members of her staff. 

Kaycee Dixey performed circle dance songs. Afterwards a break took place, then two workshops were presented for participants to take part in, one was Family Trees by Loreen Buckskin, and the other was Basket Weaving, taught by Bobette Haskett. 

Lunch consisted of a potluck lunch with entertainment provided by Hovia Edwards, who sang Ghost Dance songs. 
In the afternoon a traditional teachings panel took place. 

Tribal elder women over 80 years old were honored and gifted with floral scarves. Caroline Racehorse received a Pendleton blanket from Fort Hall Business Council member Donna Thompson.