Caldwell Family Farm Keeps Basque Roots Alive as Boise Marks Jaialdi
While Boise hosts the Jaialdi celebration this week, a Caldwell farm founded by a Basque sheepherder shows how deeply the heritage runs across the Treasure Valley.
By Wei Zhang ·
As thousands of people gather in Boise this week for Jaialdi, a farm in Caldwell offers a reminder that Basque history extends well beyond the city, reaching across the whole Treasure Valley.
Long before Caldwell grew into one of Idaho's fastest-growing cities, Weitz Farms embodied a story of Basque tradition, sacrifice and family legacy. The land in Canyon County is tied to the family of Lisa Gabiola-Weitz, whose grandparents arrived as immigrants.
"Coming from grandparents that were off the boat… my grandfather herded sheep from McCall to Jordan Valley," Gabiola-Weitz said.
Her grandfather, Jose, was born in the United States while his immigrant parents were briefly living in Idaho. The family then went back to the Basque Country, where all of his siblings were born. As a teenager, he made a bold choice to return to America and begin a new chapter.
"He did it all himself. And I'm very proud of him. He was very proud to be Basque — but he was also very proud to be an American," Gabiola-Weitz said.
At just 17, Jose started herding sheep across the region. He eventually saved enough money to purchase 288 acres in Caldwell.
Gabiola-Weitz grew up on that land, riding bikes and watching sunsets behind the red barn. She said the property could have been sold and turned into housing, but she could not bear the thought. "It could've been sold off, made into houses… but this is dear to my heart, and I can't bear that in my life," she said.
Today, her husband, Tony, and his brother help run the operation, known as Weitz Farms. The farm specializes in crops including mint, corn and wheat.
For Gabiola-Weitz, though, the work is also about honoring her origins and passing the story on to the next generation. "My Basque culture is unique. It's something very small and something that should be treasured and kept alive," she said.
She does that through food, dance and storytelling, holding to the values her grandparents lived by. When she had children, she made sure they danced with Euskaris and took part in Basque dancing. She also loves cooking Basque food, a tradition she said comes from her grandparents.
Originally published by News Media House · Source: KIVI Idaho News 6
