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2025 Minidoka Pilgrimage

March 1st End of Day Update

  • The general Descendant + Family Twin Falls package is sold out.

  • The Descendant + Family Seattle Bus package is still available.

  • Survivors who still want to attend on the Twin Falls package, please email us at minidokapilgrimage@gmail.com.

Welcome to the event page for the 2025 Minidoka Pilgrimage!

 

Thank you for understanding that we are running at a smaller capacity this year. And thank you for understanding our desire to give priority to survivors and descendants of the Japanese American incarceration.

 

First, please be aware of the following:

  • Priority registration is for survivors, descendants, and their families.

  • There will be one bus from Seattle this year. Information about transportation is provided below.

  • Other travelers must make their own arrangements for transportation to Twin Falls, Idaho. Transportation will be provided only within the Twin Falls, ID area on Saturday.

  • Lodging is not included and accommodations must be arranged in Twin Falls, ID on your own. Our group hotel rate information will be provided upon registration confirmation.

  • For any survivor fellowship recipients, Minidoka Pilgrimage will provide a stipend that may be used for travel and hotel registration (see below).

Please read our 2025 Respiratory Health & Safety Policy before registering.
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Call for Speakers for 2025 Minidoka Pilgrimage

 

Submit proposal at https://tinyurl.com/2025MinidokaEducation


Deadline for priority submission: Monday, March 31


Submissions after March 31 will be considered on a rolling basis until April 15 as space allows. Presenters will be notified via email by April 15.

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  • Please consider applying if you do work about the Japanese American incarceration (not exclusive to Minidoka) in any subject area, and have any level of experience doing so. We strive to host a diverse group of presenters.

  • Selected speakers will be invited to give a ~45-60 minute presentation on Friday, July 11, 2025 during the Education Program at the College of Southern Idaho.

  • The site has full tech capabilities.

  • Speakers are requested to stay for the full duration of the Pilgrimage for a complete, immersive experience and in order to interact with community members.

  • Limited stipends will be available based on need and availability (thank you for understanding that we are an all-volunteer run, not-for-profit organization!).

Survivor Fellowship

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  • All survivors will have their registration fee covered; please make sure you select the correct registration type.

  • Minidoka Pilgrimage Planning Committee (MPPC) will not be handling survivor hotel registration or travel arrangements.

  • MPPC will be providing a travel and hotel stipend to the mailing address listed on survivor registration forms. Stipends will not be mailed out until after the pilgrimage has concluded.

  • Survivors who take the bus from Seattle will have their bus fee covered. They will also receive a stipend that will cover half of a double occupancy room. The available stipend for those traveling on the Seattle bus package will be $300.

  • Survivors who travel to Twin Falls on their own will receive a small travel and lodging stipend that will help to cover some travel costs and half of a double occupancy room. The available stipend for those traveling on the Twin Falls package will be $550.

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General Information​​​

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  • Register by going to our Eventbrite page.

  • Priority registration will open March 1, 2025 at Noon Mountain time for survivors, descendants, and their families. General registration will open April 15, if space is available.

  • Survivors over 78 years of age may attend at no cost - please select the correct registration and see more info above!

  • The Pilgrimage will officially begin in Twin Falls on Thursday, July 10th at 6pm (MT) at KOTO Brewing Co. (156 Main Ave W, Twin Falls, ID 83301).

  • The Pilgrimage will conclude at approximately 11am on Sunday, July 13th.

  • Historically, the weather in Twin Falls, ID during the Pilgrimage has been in the mid-80s and sunny. However, temperatures may reach the mid to upper 90s, and fall as low as the 70s. A cool breeze can be expected in the evening.

  • Pilgrims are advised that personal services and devices such as wheelchairs and oxygen will not be provided. Pilgrims in need of such services are responsible for arranging them prior to registering and are encouraged to travel with a companion.

  • More information and additional details about the Pilgrimage will be sent to participants when registration forms and fees are received and confirmed.
     

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Health and Safety​​

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  • Please review our 2025 Respiratory Health and Safety Guidelines for the 2025 Minidoka Pilgrimage prior to registering. By registering for the pilgrimage, you acknowledge you read our policies and agree to them

  • Bus riders from Seattle to Twin Falls will be required to test negative immediately before boarding.

    • Participants on the bus from Seattle to Twin Falls must arrive at the departure site by 5:30am to take COVID-19 rapid test prior to boarding the bus.

      • Any participant who tests positive will be given a second test to confirm the test. Any participant who tests positive will not be allowed to board the bus. A registration refund (less the Eventbrite fees) will be provided. Participants will need to contact the hotel themselves to cancel their lodging reservation.

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Youth Fellowship​​

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  • The application for the Youth Fellowship is live! More details can be found on our Youth Fellowship page.

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Transportation​​

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  • We will run one bus from Seattle. If you choose this option, you must meet the bus on Beacon Hill in South Seattle by 5:30am on Thursday, July 10th to take a COVID-19 rapid test and produce a negative test result prior to boarding (see above). Bus will depart at 6am sharp. All subsequent transportation will be provided until the bus returns to Seattle around 11:59pm on Sunday, July 13th.

  • For those who choose the Twin Falls package, you are required to arrange your own transportation to/from and around Twin Falls, Idaho. Transportation will be provided within Twin Falls only for Saturday programming to the Minidoka National Historic Site.

  • Twin Falls is a 9.5 hour drive from Seattle, and an 8.5 hour drive from Portland.

  • There are many daily flights in and out of Boise, ID. From there, it is a 2.0 hour drive to Twin Falls. Rental vehicles are available right at the airport.

  • There is also a small airport in Twin Falls that is 15 min. from our base hotels.

  • Please consider rental car sharing with friends and family.

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Accommodations​​​​​

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  • Pilgrimage participants are responsible for making their own hotel reservations for July 10th-13th in Twin Falls. Links to the special group rates will be provided with your registration confirmation. 

  • The main hotel for the pilgrimage will be Fairfield Inn and Suites and TownePlace Suites. 

  • Seattle Bus riders should make their hotel reservations at either the Fairfield Inn and Suites or TownePlace Suites. Pickup and Drop-offs to other hotels will not be provided.

  • Hotel info:

    • Fairfield Inn and Suites (Double Queen-179 | King-179)
      1788 Washington St N
      Twin Falls ID 83301

    • TownePlace Suites (Double Queen-179 | King-179)
      175 Avenida Del Rio
      Twin Falls, ID 83301

    • Quality Inn and Suites (Double Queen-114 | King-114)
      1910 Fillmore Street North
      Twin Falls, ID, 83301, US

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What to Bring​​

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  • The following items are just a few of the things we suggest you may wish to bring.

    • Comfortable shoes and long pants for walking around the Minidoka National Historic Site

    • Sun hat and sunglasses

    • Sunscreen

    • Light-weight jacket for cool evenings

    • Minidoka family stories, poems, photos to share

    • Camera

    • Notebook
       

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