Celebrating Cultural Exchange: Highlights from Recent Community Events

The Eastern Shoshone Cultural Hub Project Team participated in two significant recent events that underscore our ongoing commitment to cultural exchange and community engagement: a dynamic visit from To Be Done Studio, and a successful Fort Washakie School Culture Night.

Deep Dive into Design: TBD Studio leads design discussions to

gain ideas and suggestions 

To Be Done Studio, an architectural firm from Washington, D.C., visited the Wind River Reservation the week of November 17 to spark creativity, prompt discussions, and collect cultural ideas important to the Eastern Shoshone people. 

Renowned for their innovative approach to design and community-focused projects, this visit served as a vital opportunity for the Cultural Hub Project Team and various community members to gain firsthand insight into the creative processes, project management principles, and collaborative environment that drive To Be Done Studio's work.

During their visit, To Be Done Studio provided updates to the Shoshone Business Council, engaging in great discussions that centered on design, culture, and costs. 

To Be Done Studio later engaged with other community members, including former council members, Indian Education staff members from Fremont County schools, elected officials, and language and culture bearers. 

The conversations centered on how the space inside and outside the Cultural Hub could be used and what it could look like, including exhibit and explorative features that could be offered. Exterior construction elements were also discussed, along with other factors such as weather, location, and funding, which were explored in more detail. 

To Be Done Studio will use the community input to continue creating a design that respectfully honors our indigenous heritage. The next steps involve refining these design plans and developing new cost estimates.

The Project Team has been focused on empowering community members to become active contributors to the creative development of their own cultural spaces and resources. New committees will be formed in 2026, and tribal members will be encouraged to volunteer and join regular meetings. 

“This experience has significantly broadened our perspective on how to utilize design thinking to better serve the Cultural Hub's mission and upcoming initiatives,” said Project Director Robyn Rofkar. 

A Night of Heritage: The FWS Culture Night

The energy and spirit of the Cultural Hub project were on full display at the recent Fort Washakie School (FWS) Culture Night. The FWS Office of Indian Education (Newe Tesumpatukanteh) agreed to partner with the Project Team and shared their space, typically held once a month and geared towards highlighting their commitment to upholding community values, celebrating their core principles, and strengthening the bonds that unite the school community.

Learn more here: https://www.fortwashakieschool.com/Indian-Education

This event is a cornerstone of cultural experiences for students and their families, so the Cultural Hub was proud to play a supportive role.

This Culture Night was a great time for reflection, design presentations, and hands-on activities that celebrated the rich heritage of the Eastern Shoshone. The goal was to include people of all ages and backgrounds in this design process. 

The evening's program included viewing the 3D model of the Cultural Hub building; planning landscape and outdoor activities locations; handling construction materials, such as various tiles, stones, and woods; coloring pages of possible museum exhibits and room layouts; and gathering information and drawings of what community members want to see in the Cultural Hub.

The collaboration underscores the Cultural Hub's goal to strengthen partnerships with local educational institutions, ensuring that cultural pride is instilled early and often. The success of the Culture Night is a testament to the dedication of the FWS staff, the enthusiasm of the students, and the strong commitment of our entire community to preserving and celebrating our unique cultural identity.

Both the TBD Studio visit and the FWS Culture Night represent forward momentum for the Cultural Hub—the former through expanding our knowledge base and the latter through reinforcing our grassroots commitment to cultural preservation and education. We look forward to applying the lessons learned and continuing to serve as a vital resource for cultural enrichment.

The Project Team would like to thank our collaborators, elders, SBC and community members. Special thanks to...

Grant Pro Group: Liz Kinne, Grants consultant

ToBeDone Studio: Omar Hakeem, Mika Yamaguchi, and Caitlin MacKenzie

Eastern Shoshone Tribal Historic Preservation Office: Margaret Wagon, David Ferris Jr., John Pingree

Eastern Shoshone Enrollment: Andrea St. Clair, Michaelyn Bear

Eastern Shoshone Cultural Center: Rachel Ynostrosa

Fort Washakie School OIE: Randy Nagitsy, FCSD #21, cooks, custodians, parents

Oose