COVID-19 results in changes to Tribes Cultural events

Camas lillies in full bloom on the Camas Prairie.

By ROSELYNN YAZZIE
Sho-Ban News
FORT HALL — The Shoshone-Bannock Tribes Language & Cultural Preservation Department had to make decisions about summer cultural events keeping social distancing in mind for the safety of people.

So far, the Camas Prairie Homecoming is still set for June 6 and the Return of the Boise Valley People has been rescheduled to August. 

The department urges Shoshone-Bannock tribal members to harvest camas bulbs, although the social portion of the annual event, which includes the social dancing and feast have been cancelled. New signage will also be introduced to the area. It hasn’t been determined yet whether a run will still take place. A time will be designated for L&CPD staff to be there and gas money will be provided. They are currently trying to make hotel accommodations, but have been unsuccessful with so many businesses closed in the area. 

The Return of the Boise Valley People event in Boise is rescheduled to August 20-23.

All other events remain the same, with the exception of Virginia City Treaty Day Gathering, and Fort Bridger Treaty annual event which have yet to be determined. 

The L&CPD language instructors have all been working from home but are planning to incorporate technology to continue teaching the language. They plan to prepare a lesson plan for both Shoshone and Bannock and teach through a series of podcasts with written material. She hopes to have things in place by the second week in June, depending if everything falls into place.  The language is the intellectual property of the Tribes, so they must first get a resolution authorizing them to allow it. They’re goal is to eventually get it used in the districts. Fortunately, they already have some modules put together and now have the challenge and the opportunity to go forth with it. Zoom is another form of technology available.

Louise Dixey, L&CPD manager, anticipates more participation.

“Our young people, they want to hear it and use their phone or whatever they have,” she said, adding they are going to try to develop an app for both languages. 

The pandemic of COVID-19 is forcing the department to be more creative in their approach. 

This summer, the program is also planning to work with Recreation and the Summer Youth Program to develop on reservation walks and different activities for kids in small groups. 

The L&CPD staff are eager and willing to educate the community and many of the teachers miss their students. They have several ideas in the works to best make use of their Tribal Practices Grant.

Sho-Ban Tribal Court reopens, hearings scheduled

FORT HALL — Interim Shoshone-Bannock Tribal Court Administrator Brandelle Whitworth advises the Tribal Court is open and holding scheduled hearings.  

At the discretion of the presiding judge, some hearings may be held telephonically or via video conferencing; parties will be properly notified if such option is available.   

If someone needs to file a document with the Court, clerks are currently scheduled from 9 a.m. to 3 p.m. on Monday, Wednesday and Friday. They are available any time between 8 a.m. to 4:30 p.m., Monday through Friday, by appointment.  To schedule an appointment call 208-236-1090.  Other Court staff is available on a flexible schedule and may be reached at their regular extensions to schedule a meeting or other appointment.  

Starting June 1, all Court staff will be available 8 a.m. to 4:30 p.m., Monday through Friday, except Tribal holidays.  
For questions regarding inmates, please call 208-236-1139. 

Whitworth advises if a case was scheduled between March 23 and May 11 and was vacated because of the COVID-19 pandemic, it will be rescheduled and parties will be properly notified of the new hearing date. 

Until further notice, in order to enter the Justice Center: 

•  face masks or coverings and the use of hand sanitizer are required (sanitizing stations provided); 

• access is limited to the parties to the issue or case and legal counsel; all other persons, including children, may not enter the facility; and 

• contactless temperatures are being measured prior to entry.  Anyone with a fever of 100.4 or higher will be denied access.