ILC Develops Relationships With Idaho Tribes

November 29, 2007

The Indigenous Learning Company’s Walter Schwabe, recently returned from Idaho where he was invited to attend meetings with the Shoshone-Bannock Tribes.

ILC has been in discussions with a number of Idaho tribes to date but according to Randy Morse, ILC CEO, the Shoshone-Bannock in Fort Hall have shown the most enthusiasm.

Schwabe had the opportunity while in Idaho to meet with Chairman Alonzo Coby and the entire Shoshone-Bannock Council, as well as LaNada War Jack — Tribal Executive Director, a Shoshone language teacher, a Bannock language teacher, the Sho-Ban School Superintendent, archivists and Elders.

Schwabe made presentations, fielded questions and learned a lot himself about the Shoshone-Bannock cultures. Based on the success of the meetings, Schwabe said he’s enthusiastic about possible future partnerships between ILC and the Shoshone-Bannock Tribes.

“The meetings went extremely well,” Schwabe said. “Dr. War Jack will present our MOU to the council next week once she has gathered letters of support. I’ll be following up with her and others very shortly.”

Morse said after working with tribes in Washington, Idaho seems like a natural fit for ILC.

“Things are starting to move on the Indian education front in Washington State, thanks to the leadership of the Kalispel Tribe and ILC-Washington,” he said. “It’s only natural that Idaho step up to the plate, too.”

“Hopefully we’ll soon be tackling the educational challenges facing Native American students in Idaho with the same energy we bring to bear in next-door Washington,” Morse added. “I’m looking forward to further discussions.”