Shoshone Language Reunion Closes Out Festivities

The Shoshone Language Reunion wrapped its final day on Wednesday, September 24, at Comanche Nation; however, the last two days were filled with activities.

Comanche Nation Shoshone Reunion Vice Chairman Vickie Sanders said it was great to see the Shoshone relatives. About 1,000 people registered for the event, which they weren’t expecting.

“But we're glad that we did get that many people,” she said. “We enjoyed our relatives that came in from all over the tribes of Shoshone, and it's really exciting to see every one of these because these are familiar faces that you see when you go to their area. Last year, we went to Fort Hall, and a lot of them came down this way. We get to see people from Fort Shane, the Paiutes, Duck Valley, and like I said, there's just so many more.”

Sanders said there were a lot of events going on throughout the reunion, including shinny ball.

“The shinny ball is played like a stick and a ball, and they go with the two teams, and it's all girls team, and there's four on each one, and then we also had a teepee contest,” she said. “I think we had maybe five teams at least, so that went really well. We weren’t expecting that many, but we did.”

There was also an all-ages archery, basketweaving, handgame and a Missing and Murdered Indigenous Peoples walk hosted by the Comanche Nation.

Sanders’ favorite part was the morning ceremony on Tuesday, September 23, at Mount Scott, which was led by Fredrick Auck and Lloyd Heminokekey.

She said seeing people coming in was all new to her and overwhelming.

“A lot of our elders, even our own elders, for the Comanche coming out where they could visit with these people because they also know these relatives of ours,” Sanders said. “So that was exciting.”

She tried to ensure everyone was cared for and everything ran smoothly.

“Seems like they're all having fun, and we all laugh and joke around, and I like that,” Sanders said. “That's something that you know I enjoy doing, and get to know these people that I have not seen and now are coming in. Even our own Comanche members, for our own tribe, there's a lot of them that came out of town that got to come here, and it was good to know and see them too.”

On Wednesday, several events took place, including a parade, giveaways and a fashion show.

Both days had several vendors, and Sanders was grateful for everyone who helped with the reunion.