Shoshone-Bannock Indian Festival canceled

FORT HALL, Idaho (KIFI)-The Shoshone-Bannock Tribes have announced the Shoshone-Bannock Indian Festival has again been canceled this year, due to the COVID-19 pandemic.

“Hosting the powwow doesn’t fit within the Tribes Safety Protocols and we must keep our community safe. Our community has not yet reached the vaccination rate we were hoping for and encourages tribal membership to get vaccinated so we can get back to somewhat of a normal,” said Tribal Chairman Devon Boyer.

In addition to the festival, the Shoshone-Bannock Casino Hotel Treaty day Fireworks on July 3, has also been canceled.  

According to Interim CEO, Colista Eagle, “we have sponsored this large event in the past on behalf of celebrating the Tribes signing of the Fort Bridger Treaty on July 3, 1868, and it is unfortunate we have to cancel. However, due to the Tribes ongoing concerns associated with the pandemic, we agree with the Fort Hall Business Council’s decision.”

Fort Hall Indian Relay Association Chairman, Alonzo Coby, stated in the meeting, “We held an Indian Relay meeting with our local teams and discussed the 2021 relay season. Those team representatives that attended agreed to the safety protocols that will be implemented in the Safety Plan. Team representatives agreed that those that will be participating must be vaccinated and show their vaccination cards. The races that are being held in Fort Hall will be limited to local teams only, until further notice.”

The Fort Hall Rodeo Association is an official location for the Indian National Finals Rodeo Association.  As a result, the two-day Tour Rodeo in Fort Hall will continue under strict protocols.

All related Festival events have also been canceled.  More information on the Indian Relay and Tour Rodeo will be posted when it is available.