Kootenai Tribe selected for Esto Perpetua Award

The Kootenai Tribe of Idaho is among those being honored by the Idaho State Historical Society as a recipient of the Esto Perpetua Award.

Now in its 25th year, the society recognizes efforts to preserve, promote, and educate the state's residents about Idaho's past. This year's ceremony will be held June 6.

In total 14 groups will be honored with the award, which takes its name from the state motto, "let it be perpetual." The awards honor the state's dedicated organizations and individuals which preserve and tell the story of Idaho and its communities.

Idaho stories are found in many forms and places, including museums, historical societies, archives, historical sites, structures with cultural significance, highway markers, artifacts, and more. 

Since the award's creation in 1999, more than 200 individuals and organizations have been recognized with an Esto Perpetua Award. 

“As we reflect on an extraordinary 25 years, the Idaho State Historical Society is grateful for our partners, through their contributions and collaborations over the years, we have made an impact on telling and sharing the story of our state,” ISHS Executive Director Janet L. Gallimore said.

In addition to the Kootenai Tribe of Idaho, also recognized are the Coeur d’Alene Tribe, Nez Perce Tribes, Shoshone-Bannock Tribes, Shoshone-Paiute Tribes, College of Idaho, Friends of Minidoka, Hummel Architects, i48, Idaho Archaeological Society, Idaho Commission on the Arts, Idaho Department of Parks and Recreation, Idaho Public Television, and Idaho Transportation Department.

The 25th annual Esto Perpetua awards ceremony will be held Thursday, June 6, at the Idaho State Museum. The program begins at 5:30 p.m. Mountain Time.

For information and tickets, go online to history.idaho.gov/esto.