2022

The event returned to early summer June 10 to 12, 2022 where a presentation was conducted honoring landowner Tom Terteling and Erick Robinson for the return of a significant cultural site the Dry Creek Rockshelter area to the Boise Valley tribes that includes ancestors remains and artifacts. The site was blessed in late April 2022. In addition, the Boise Valley tribes named an M1 Abrams Main Battle Tank Rock Frog - Tempi Yakwatsa’a, Teppi wakatsa’s or Tu-pii Pamamogo that translates to Rock Frog. The late Merceline Bel Boyer named the tank prior to her passing.

Major General Michael Garshak, Adjutant General of Idaho and Commanding General of the Idaho National Guard welcomed all the original people of the Boise Valley to Gowen Field. He said they have many shared values as well as respect, appreciate and honor our veterans who fight on behalf of our freedoms.

“Every war throughout the United States histories have included Native Americans who have fought bravely side by side with soldiers, Marines, airmen and sailors in every war. We took respect and honor their service.”

He spoke about the A10 Jet, which was named “Warrior Spirit” and a couple years later a Blackhawk Helicopter was named Tusaipuhe in honor of the original Boise Valley People.

The newly named M1 Abrams Main Battle Tank would not only honor veterans in the military service of the tribes but also to bring the spirit of the warrior with the soldiers and airmen when they go into battle.