2014

June 12 to 15, 2014 the event opened with tribal leaders meeting with the Idaho National Guard. The Upper Snake River Tribes did a presentation followed by Yvette Towersap who did a presentation on historical women of the Boise Valley during the 19th Century.

Every year oral history is shared among the tribes, along with cultural teachings. Shoshone-Bannock tribal elder Lionel Boyer said, “Many of our leaders have been here – we need to continue to know who we are, why we are, where we are and know why that has happened.” “We need to keep in mind the little ones need to know how to carry forth, otherwise we’re not going to have a future,” for them.

Lindsey Manning, Shoshone-Paiute tribal chairman, said he was happy to be there, “It’s a special place for our people have been coming here for many years, Eagle Rock is a sacred site.”

He talked about the warm springs that existed prior to the non-Indians piping it to divert it to their homes on Warm Springs Boulevard, it was called blessing water (nama bush bah) – that was the original name. Manning said there’s a lot of graves through the hills – relatives and some of the those attending the event are direct descendants. “Part of the prayers are to restore things and pay respect.”