When the Smoke
Goes Straight Up

Grandfather's stories retold by Donna E. Houtz McArthur, a member of the Shoshone-Bannock tribe.

These stories have been passed down from generation to generation, they were traditionally told during winter months. Through her book, When the Smoke Goes Straight Up, Donna has preserved these treasured stories in writing, ensuring they endure for future generations.

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Donna's storytelling journey was inspired by her grandfather, Edward Edmo Sr., who shared these stories with the family. With the support of her loved ones, she brought these stories to life. Her heartfelt gratitude extends to those who helped along the way—family, friends, and her patient husband, Dave.​

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About the Author

A member of the Shoshone-Bannock Tribes from Fort Hall, Idaho, Donna, born September 29, 1943, is a granddaughter of Edward "Eddie" Edmo, Sr. and a niece of Rusty Houtz. Like her family she enjoyed riding horses and going to rodeos. In her younger days she participated in barrel racing, team roping and rode in the squaw and flat races. Donna was selected Miss Shoshone-Bannock Runner-up in 1964.

Donna was the first tribal member on the Fort Hall Reservation to receive an Elementary Teaching degree. She taught on and off the Reservation for over 33 years and was also the Indian Education Coordinator for the Blackfoot School District for more than 20 years. She worked with the Northwest Regional Educational Laboratory on ways to improve teaching methods for American Indian and Alaska Native students.

With the retelling of these stories, Donna's dream of keeping some of the Shoshone-Bannock Indian stories alive has been realized.

Donna and her husband, Dave, currently live near Blackfoot, Idaho on the Fort Hall Indian Reser-vation.

Behind the Stories

In this behind-the-scenes clip, my grandma, Donna E. Houtz McArthur, reflects on her grandfather, Edward Edmo Sr., who inspired her love for storytelling. Hearing her retell these treasured stories is so much fun and reminds me of the rich traditions she works to preserve. Passed down through generations in the Shoshone-Bannock tradition, these stories were told during the winter months and now live on through her book, When the Smoke Goes Straight Up. We love you Grams!