Eastern Shoshone Business Council Chairman John St. Clair received an Indian Health Service Director’s Award during a special ceremony this summer in Virginia, Tribal officials said in a press release this week.
On Aug. 30, IHS Director Roselyn Tso recognized individuals or groups of employees whose special efforts and contributions, beyond regular duty requirements, have resulted in significant benefits to the IHS strategic goals, objectives, and programs, customers, and fulfillment of the IHS mission, the press release states.
Tso invited St. Clair to offer a prayer at the opening of the ceremony, and to receive the Director’s Special Recognition Award.
“I’m honored to be the recipient of this award,” St. Clair said. “While I’m humbled, I can’t help but also acknowledge the team that came together regularly to help bring to the forefront the self-governance initiative of the Eastern Shoshone Tribe.”
In 2022, the ESBC created a team that met weekly with IHS officials to develop and finalize a Compact and Funding Agreement under Public Law 93-638 Title V and Article 10 of the 1868 Treaty of Fort Bridger, the press release says.
On July 1, 2024, the Eastern Shoshone Tribe assumed operations of the IHS clinic at Fort Washakie, Wyoming, and renamed it Warm Valley Health Care.
“Upon presenting the award, Tso recognized the challenges that were overcome during the negotiation process, which took several years,” the press release states. “The SBC continues its pledge to improve the health services for its community.”