EVENTS

EXPLORE THE HISTORY OF THE RETURN OF THE BOISE VALLEY PEOPLE

Since its beginning in 2011, the Return of the Boise Valley People has grown into an important gathering that reconnects descendants, families, and communities with their ancestral homelands, histories, and cultural traditions. What began as a gathering for prayer, remembrance, and sharing oral history has evolved into an annual event that celebrates culture, language, education, community partnerships, youth engagement, and the enduring connection between the Original Boise Valley People and the Boise Valley itself.

We invite you to explore the stories, photographs, and highlights from each year’s gathering. These moments reflect not only the growth of the event, but also the dedication of tribal elders, leaders, families, and volunteers who have helped preserve history, strengthen relationships, honor ancestors, and create opportunities for future generations. Each year's gathering has helped shape the next, building a lasting legacy that continues to guide the Return of the Boise Valley People today and into the future.

2011

Descendants organized “The Return of the Boise Valley People” event with the first in late August 2011. More than 400 Newe (tribal people) from the various tribes came to Quarry View (now known as Eagle Rock) and Barber Park to share stories, oral history and pray for ancestors. Click here to read about and view photos from the 2011 Return of the Boise Valley People.

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. Click here to read about and view photos from the 2012 Return of the Boise Valley People.

2013

The event was June 13 to 16, 2013. Each tribe set up booths at Quarry View Park and the tribal walking parade was implemented. Saturday events were at Gowen Field including Indian games. Click here to read about and view photos from the 2013 Return of the Boise Valley People.

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. Click here to read about and view photos from the 2014 Return of the Boise Valley People.

2015

The fourth Return of the Boise Valley People event was June 11 to 14, 2025. Ardith Peyope presented historical research. At Quarry View Park Chief Tahgee students did a presentation in the Shoshone language and the Shoshone-Paiute did a play explaining how the towns of Boise and Kuna got their names. Burns Paiute Tribe did duck decoy making with tules. An old time stick game presentation was done and the first hand drum contest was conducted. On Sunday, attendees were invited to visit Map Rock on the Snake River. Click here to read about and view photos from the 2015 Return of the Boise Valley People.

2016

At the June 9 to 12, 2016 event, in addition to the regular activities, the Boise Valley tribes named an A10 jet “Warrior Spirit” that was dedicated to Idaho tribes. The artwork was placed on the right front nose of the jet that features a pen and ink drawing of an eagle staff the late John Sorrell created from the Shoshone-Bannock Tribes. The jet has flown in Afghanistan on numerous missions. Click here to read about and  view photos from the 2016 Return of the Boise Valley People.

2017

The June 8 to 11, 2017 event included the opening of an exhibit titled the “Original Boise Valley People” that opened on June 8 at the Idaho History Center. It included stories, photos and artifacts featuring the Boise Valley tribes removed from the Boise Valley. In addition to the annual sharing of culture, traditional foods and oral history, the Boise Valley tribes honored Major General Gary Sayler because he retired as he was instrumental in getting opportunities for tribes. Click here to read about and view photos from the 2017 Return of the Boise Valley People.

2018

The June 14 to 17, 2018 event included a visit from then Idaho governor candidate Paulette Jordan from the Coeur d’Alene Tribe who talked about the importance of veterans and cultural events at Quarry View Park. The Boise Valley tribes named a Black Hawk helicopter “Tuisaipehe” at Gowen Field. The opening of the event was at Boise City Hall. Click here to read about and view photos from the 2018 Return of the Boise Valley People.

2019

The June 13 to 16, 2019 event featured the renaming ceremony of Quarry View Park to Eagle Rock Park and the Castle Rock Reserve to Chief Eagle Eye Reserve where Idaho Governor Brad Little attended, tribal leaders and Idaho National Guard leadership. Click here to read about and view photos from the 2019 Return of the Boise Valley People.

2020

Because of the COVID-19 pandemic, the 2020 Return of the Boise Valley People event was cancelled.

2021

The 2021 event happened August 26 to 29, 2021 where over 400 participants attended and people were happy to gather once again. As a precautionary measure, masks were requested to be worn and food had to be served in containers. Click here to read about and view photos from the 2021 Return of the Boise Valley People.

2022

The event returned to June 10 to 12, 2022 where a presentation was conducted honoring private landowner Tom Terteling and Erick Robinson for the return of 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. The late Merceline Bel Boyer named the tank prior to her passing. Click here to read about and view photos from the 2022 Return of the Boise Valley People.

2023

The June 8 to 11, 2023 included the announcement the Original Boise Valley People 501-c3 non-profit status was established and a traditional clothing show was done, in addition to the regular events. Click here to read about and view photos from the 2023 Return of the Boise Valley People.

2024

The June 13 to 16, 2026 event included the dedication of the Gowen Field Sports Complex dedication to the Boise Valley tribes known as “Warriors Play Land.” The outdoor pavilion is where the soldiers, airmen and their families come to eat and enjoy each other’s company. Major General Garshak was honored as he announced his retirement. Also, an announcement of interpretive signs the Shoshone-Bannock Tribes Language and Culture Department are doing in the Boise Valley. A rendezvous featuring Indian trading was initiated, along with a nature walk for the youth learning the Bannock, Paiute and Shoshone language. Click here to read about and view photos from the 2024 Return of the Boise Valley People.

2025

The June 5 to 8, 2025 event included information about more interpretive signage in the city of Boise, youth were encouraged to do oral interviews with elders from Boise Valley tribes and the Nature Walk was again conducted for the youth. Click here to read about and view photos from the 2025 Return of the Boise Valley People.

2026

The Return of the Boise Valley People event is in its fifteenth year. The 2026 event is June 18 to 21, 2026.