College of Western Idaho (CWI) hosted former tribal Chairman of the Northwestern Band of the Shoshone Nation, Darren Parry, for an educational and inspirational presentation on the 160th anniversary of the Bear River Massacre on Wednesday, Feb. 8. Nearly 100 students, faculty, staff, and other members of the community were in attendance for the presentation, History, Healing, and Re-STORY-ation.
Parry shared his personal story and his community’s legacy regarding the tragic circumstances of Jan. 29, 1863, which led to the deaths of over 400 Shoshone, including unarmed women and children by U.S. Army forces near Preston, Idaho.
"Often omitted from history textbooks, Mr. Parry spoke eloquently of the need to acknowledge our shared past in order to reckon a collaborative path forward," said CWI Associate Professor of Anthropology, Nikki Gorrell. "He also informed the near-capacity audience the Shoshone nation is working diligently to secure and restore the sacred land and Bear River Valley where the massacre took place, as well as create an innovative memorial and cultural interpretive center on site."
Parry's presentation was sponsored by CWI’s School of Arts and Humanities, School of Social Sciences and Public Affairs, the Anthropology program, and Inclusive Excellence Committee.
Those interested in learning more about the Bear River Massacre and efforts to reclaim and interpret the site by the Shoshone Nation can do so by visiting the Boa Ogoi Cultural Interpretive Center webpage.
