The theme of the Zortziak Bat symposium that was held during Jaialdi was Elkarrekin Arraunean, or “Rowing Together,” highlighting the contributions of so many people that have helped promote and support the Basque language and culture. Seven people were honored for their lifetime of effort – I was pleased to be one of those recognized. But I was also humbled to be in the presence of such a great group of people, people who have done so much for Basque culture.

• Joseba Etxarri first came to the United States in 1987 and has been a stable of Basque festivals ever since. He wrote about his experiences in his book Euskaldunen Ameriketa, Bidaia bat EEBBetan zehar. He is the director of the website EuskalKultura.com where he shares news from all over the Basque diaspora, not just the United States. Euskal Kultura, which began as a print publication in 1998 and went online in 2001, is an invaluable resource with the goal to “inform, connect, facilitate mutual understanding, and build bridges.”
• David Lachiondo was honored posthumously. He spent 41 years in secondary education before moving to Boise State University. He was director of the Basque Studies Program at BSU while also teaching on topics including Basque history. Born in Boise, his first language wasn’t English and he struggled when he first went to school, but later education became his passion. He was recognized for his many contributions to Basque culture, in Boise and beyond.
• Meggan Laxalt Mackey was the heart and soul of the symposium. She was recognized for her dedication to Basque Studies, having taught at Boise State’s Basque Studies Program. She has spent the greater part of her adult life promoting the Basque Culture and Language, not only as an educator but also as an author, publishing amongst other books Lekuak: The Basque Places of Boise, Idaho. She currently owns and runs Studio M Publications and Design, which helps other authors bring their ideas to light.
• Nere Lete Bieter, a Professor of Basque in the World Languages Department at Boise State University, was honored for her dedication and continued efforts to promote Basque culture and language. She is also one of the co-founders of the Boiseko Ikastola, the only Basque language preschool outside of the Basque Country. Previously director of the Basque Studies Minor at Boise State University, she has also translated numerous documentaries to provide a larger corpus for natural language processing.
• Benan Oregi is Senior Diaspora Policy Officer with the Basque Government, which means he has been working to strengthen ties between the Basque Country and the Basque diaspora. He has worked in this area for more than 25 years, recognizing that relationships with diasporas are becoming ever more important for governments at all levels. He also teaches post-graduate classes on diaspora relations at the University of the Basque Country.
• Nancy Zubiri is the force behind Euskal Kazeta, which is “the premier website for news about the Basque community in the United States.” Started in 2009, Euskal Kazeta shares news about all things Basque in the United States. Its mission is to “help preserve the Basque culture by promoting social engagement and public education relating to Basque culture.” Nancy, who recently retired as from teaching high school English, has also published multiple books, including Travel Guide to Basque America and Jaialdi: A Celebration of Basque Culture.

A full list of all of Buber’s Basque Facts of the Week can be found in the Archive.

Primary sources: Joseba Etxarri, Basque Museum and Cultural Center; Remembering former Basque studies program director David Lachiondo, Boise State University; Zortziak Bat Symposium Honors Basque Culture Builders at Boise State during Jaialdi 2025 by Robert Lopez, Euskal Kazeta