25 Years of Healing & Remembrance: Event Recap

Bekka Mongeau
Apr 16
2 min read

2026 marks the 25th anniversary of Minidoka National Historic Site becoming part of the National Park Service. We kicked off this milestone with a special event in Boise: 25 Years of Healing and Remembrance.

25 Years of Healing & Remembrance programs and 25th Anniversary stickers. Photo Credit: Guy Hand — 25 Years of Healing & Remembrance programs and 25th Anniversary stickers. *Photo Credit: Guy Hand*

More than 300 people gathered at the Egyptian Theatre for an evening of music, film, and reflection. The program featured the premiere of Minidoka, a new song film featuring Kishi Bashi and produced by Happy Okay Films, live performances from Sangha Taiko and Kishi Bashi, and a special recognition honoring Neil King, Minidoka National Historic Site’s first superintendent.

Kishi Bashi and Sangha Taiko onstage during 25 Years of Healing & Remembrance. Photo Credit: Guy Hand — Kishi Bashi and Sangha Taiko onstage during 25 Years of Healing & Remembrance. *Photo Credit: Guy Hand*

After opening remarks from Executive Director Robyn Achilles, Sangha Taiko took the stage. Sponsored by the Idaho-Oregon Buddhist Temple in Ontario, Oregon, the group performs throughout the Treasure Valley and surrounding communities, using traditional Japanese drumming to educate, unify, and entertain.

Sangha Taiko warms up during sound check before the show. Photo Credit: Guy Hand — Sangha Taiko warms up during sound check before the show. *Photo Credit: Guy Hand*

Following their performance, Wade Vagais, Superintendent of Southern Idaho Parks for the National Park Service, presented a heartfelt tribute to Neil King. Joined by his wife, Marilee, Neil received a commemorative gift: a collection of framed photographs from his time with the National Park Service, signed by colleagues and friends.

Wade delivers a heartfelt tribute and gift to Neil. Photo Credit: Julie Yamamoto

As Minidoka’s first superintendent, Neil played a foundational role in bringing the site’s vision to life. He worked closely with the Japanese American community in the early years, helping navigate complex decisions, elevating community voices, and guiding the development of a general management plan that reflected their wishes for the site. We are deeply grateful for his leadership and lasting impact.

Neil King recognized with a standing ovation from the crowd. Photo Credit: Guy Hand — Neil King recognized with a standing ovation from the crowd. *Photo Credit: Guy Hand*

The evening continued with the premiere of Minidoka, a 15-minute film featuring Kishi Bashi performing on-site. The music was improvised in response to the landscape and history of Minidoka, creating a powerful and deeply personal experience.

We’re excited to share this film with a wider audience during a free online screening on May 21. Register here to join us.

Robyn Achilles, Kishi Bashi, and Justin Taylor Smith onstage for a Q&A session following the Minidoka film premiere. Photo Credit: Bekka Mongeau — Robyn Achilles, Kishi Bashi, and Justin Taylor Smith onstage for a Q&A session following the Minidoka film premiere. *Photo Credit: Bekka Mongeau*

To close the evening, Kishi Bashi returned to the stage for a live set, culminating in a collaborative finale with Sangha Taiko. The blending of musical styles created a truly unique and memorable performance.