Helping Native American youth build character is Miss Shoshone-Bannock Kalli Jo Edmo’s mission. Crowned as the 46th Annual Miss Shoshone-Bannock Queen, Kalli Jo believes developing character in Native American youth will help give them a sense of pride, purpose, and hope to overcome their challenges and become productive community members and leaders.

Nineteen year old Kalli Jo is an enrolled member of the Shoshone-Bannock Tribes and has lived on the Fort Hall Indian Reservation all her life. She is the daughter of the late Danny Ray Edmo and Rebecca Washakie Edmo. Her paternal grandparents are the late Theron Edmo and Colleen Preacher Edmo; maternal grandparents are the late Romer Washakie and Mary Dixey Washakie. She is the great, great granddaughter of Chief Washakie of the Eastern Shoshones, and descends from the Western and Lemhi Shoshones as well. Just before Kalli Jo’s 3rd birthday her father Danny unexpectingly passed away leaving her to be raised by her mother. Having her mother and other family members as her constant mentors, she was taught about her family history and cultural background. Knowing who her ancestors were and their contributions to Indian people, gave her pride and a sense that she too had an obligation to help others. Kalli Jo describes herself as fearless and willing to try anything once, even if it means stepping out of her comfort zone. She joined the Fort Hall Boxing Club, where she received best female bout in one tournament. In her early years of high school Kalli Jo participated in Tribal Youth Council where the mission was to promote leadership among peers through academics and cultural activities. With her family’s encouragement and support she enlisted with the US Naval Sea Cadet Corp, attending boot camp in Camp Roberts, California, and was designated as AROC where she was second in command and called cadence for her BRAVO Company. Out of 250 recruits she was recognized and graduated as one of eight honor cadets. This experience taught Kalli Jo about, honor, patriotism, courage, responsibility, discipline, camaraderie, and commitment, and how these values will pertain to her adult life. In May 2009 she graduated from Highland High School, with her entire family applauding her hard work and dedication.

As the 46th Annual Miss Shoshone-Bannock, Kalli Jo has had the opportunity to attend and speak at local and national events on behalf her tribe; promoting her to take a proactive role within her community. She is a mentor for the Native STAND (Students Together Against Negative Decisions) Project a collaborative effort between the Shoshone-Bannock Tribe, Oregon Health and Science University, Northwest Portland Area Indian Health Board, Native Lens, and Longhouse Media to promote healthy behavioral messages among youth through film production. Kalli Jo was selected by the Pocatello Arts Committee as the Native American model for the Center Street water tank mural. This mural is a perfect depiction of the history of Southeast Idaho; it will be completed in the summer of 2010 and will remain until 2020; visible to Interstate 15 motorist traveling to Canada and Mexico. She represented the Shoshone-Bannock Tribes during the 2010 Dodge National Circuit Finals Rodeo. In April 2010, she will be attending the Gathering of Nations Powwow in Albuquerque, New Mexico, competing for the Miss Indian World title.

Kalli Jo’s long range goals are to attend college with an emphasis in Law Enforcement, advance her training in the United State Air Force, return to her tribe to continue helping and improving the lives in her community. In her spare time Kalli Jo enjoys beading, riding horse, and spending time with family and friends. She would like to thank all those who have helped her throughout her reign and will continue to do her best. Kalli Jo’s message to youth is, “we all face challenges in our lives, but it is the way we deal with those challenges that determines who we become”.