Oinkari Basque Dancers of Boise,ID have kept the tradition of Basque dance alive and well in southern Idaho since 1960. Dance and music are very important parts of Basque culture. It brings different walks of life together socially, honors a fallen soldier, or even ushers in the changing seasons. Oinkari Basque Dancers have shared the exciting music and dance traditions of Basque culture with southern Idaho since 1960. All of the members trace their heritage back to the Basque Country of northern Spain and southern France, where they visit regularly to maintain relationships with many native dance groups. Many of their ancestors came to the West as sheepherders, miners, and boarding house operators. Today they still proudly maintain their Basque-American identity through a host of festivals throughout the year across the West, community performances, and fundraisers. This talk was given at a TEDx event using the TED conference format but independently organized by a local community. Learn more at www.ted.com/tedx