BY KAREN BOSSICK

Learn about both the traditional and contemporary ways of the Shoshone-Bannock Tribes in a special presentation on Saturday, April 27, at the new Wood River Museum of History and Culture in Ketchum.

Russell and Bobette Haskett will journey from the Fort Hall Indian Reservation near Pocatello to demonstrate the use of traditional tools, dried plant materials and animal pelts in the making of clothing, tools and basketry.

The free event will be held between 1 and 3 p.m. Saturday, April 27 at the museum at 580 Fourth Street East cattycorner from The Community Library. Registration is required at https://thecommunitylibrary.libcal.com/event/12196009.

Russell and Bobette Haskett often make pilgrimages to the Camas Prairie near Fairfield where they dig camas bulbs in the tradition of their ancestors.

“So many visitors to the Museum have connected to the muskrat shoes and camas digging stick made by Bobette and Russ,” said Brigid Miller, the museum’s community engagement manager. “I am excited for this program as we will learn more about these objects and other practices from two wonderful and knowledgeable individuals.”

Bobette Haskett will show some of the fur pelts, buckskin and dried plant materials she uses to make clothing, shoes and baskets as she talks about traditional and contemporary practices of clothing worn by the Shoshone and Bannock people.

Russ Haskett will demonstrate the use of the bodo stick, also known as the digging stick, and talk about the many types of plants, bulbs and roots Native Americans have used the stick for.

While rooted in the traditional ways, the Hasketts offer a contemporary expression to weaving and tooling objects of beauty, purpose and meaning.

“(We hope this program will) “leave the audience with an understanding of why the Shoshone and Bannock people hold the Ketchum area dear to them,” they added. “It is part of (the Shoshone-Bannock’s) original territories.”

The project is being supported by an Idaho Humanities Council Gem State Grant.