2012

A majority in attendance at the Second Annual Return of the Boise Valley People agreed it’s important to continue the gathering to remember tribal ancestors and so youth will continue to learn about their history. Sunrise ceremonies, a walk/run, and press conference were at Quarry View Park while oral histories, meals and the Indian games were at the Idaho National Guard Armory.

Shoshone-Paiute Tribal Chairman Terry Gibson talked about how the various tribes fought for protection of Eagle Rock because of its spiritual significance. He said the white people used to question why the burial sites were not marked but the petroglyphs used to have the markings and some were located in the state capitol building but he doesn’t know where they went from there. He said the real history needs to be taught to the youth including how the tribal people helped the immigrants when they were sick and dying. “Our people helped them, nursed them back to life but the sad fact is our people were pushed out.” Gibson said for thousands of years or people have been buried here. It’s important to keep fighting for tribal rights and protection of our ways, “I ask blessing for our ancestors to do the best we can,” he said.

At the June 16 press conference, Lionel Boyer thanked the Idaho National Guard for allowing the tribes to use the site for the event.

Adjutant General Gary Sayler of the Idaho National Guard said he acknowledges that the weekend was very special for the tribes. Hosting the Return of the Boise Valley People event was an opportunity for the solders to learn about culture and the special relationship with the lands. He thought it would be a good opportunity to build a strong partnership.