2021

The 2021 event happened August 26 to 29, 2021 where Mayor Lauren McLean welcomed the descendants of the Boise Valley People at the Thursday opening. “Tonight’s celebration represents the commitment from the City of Boise to the valuing of the historical and contemporary importance of the tribes,” she said. Furthermore, they’ve worked to sustain an intergovernmental dialogue, public education and partnership that reflects mutual respect and a shared interest in making Boise and adverse and vibrant community.

She talked about the work they did in recognizing Eagle Rock Park and Chief Eagle Eye Reserve were sacred places, and in 2019 the city of Boise changed the names of the locations to reflect the history of the lands and its importance to the Native people. She talked about the city’s commitment to improve relations into the future.

Major General Michael Garshak from the Idaho National Guard who

thanked the city of Boise for hosting the event and welcomed the people on behalf of the State of Idaho Governor Brad Little. Speaking on behalf of the Idaho National Guard he said they’re honored and grateful to have a partnership with the Native American Tribes in Idaho.

“The reason we value this so much is because the Idaho National Guard and the Native American Tribes of Idaho truly have many shared values, one being, the spirit of the warrior,” he said. “Our Native Americans, throughout the country and certainly here in Idaho have a tremendous and distinguished record of service in our Armed Forces and that really goes throughout our nation’s history.”

As a precautionary measure, masks were requested to be worn and food had to be served in containers.