Txoko Ona, Inc. was formed in 2000 and is a non-profit, non-political organization dedicated to uniting local Basques in order to preserve our heritage through educational opportunities and cultural exploration.

What about the name?

"Txoko Ona," because it is describing what it means not about the club itself. Txoko Ona (pronounced CHO-ko O-na) literally means “good corner” in Euskara. “Txoko” refers to a gastronomical society, which is both numerous and popular in Basque culture. These societies consist of friends and families who enjoy meeting to cook and share good food. The txoko itself is usually a moderately sized building with excellent cooking facilities. When the time comes to host a party or gather for a celebration, the txoko is the preferred location

Milestones

  • Txoko Ona is founded and the first board of directors is formed.

  • The first Homedale Basque Dance is hosted by Txoko Ona.

  • 10 acres are purchased in Homedale as a future build site for the center.

  • The ground is broken at the building site and construction begins on the future Basque center.

  • The first event is held in the center.

  • The Txoko Ona building inauguration was held June 16-17, 2007. The two-day celebration included a traditional Basque dinner; a Catholic mass and blessing of the building by Aita Tillous; performances by Herribatza Dantzariak, the Oinkari Basque Dancers, and Txantxangoriak; and a picnic.

  • The Txoko Ona cookbook is published.

  • Txoko Ona hosted the National North American Basque Organizations (NABO) Mus Tournament, as a result of Txoko Ona members Tony and Darren Uranga winning the National NABO Mus Tournament in 2014.
    Txoko Ona members Andres Lejardi and Gregorio Undabeitia won the National Tournament again in 2017, resulting in Txoko Ona hosting another National Tournament in 2018.
    The Uranga’s were only the second Idaho team to win the National Tournament, the first team being from Gooding, Idaho approx. 20 years earlier.

  • Txoko Ona expands the patio of the building to accommodate larger outdoor events.

  • Txoko Ona hosts the first annual San Juan Eguna Basque Festival in June.

Community Enrichment

  • Education

    Txoko Ona provides weekly Basque language classes and seasonal cooking classes.

  • Dance

    Txoko Ona is home to the children’s Basque dancing group, Herribatza Danzariak.

  • Food

    Txoko Ona offers Basque cooking classes and seasonal dinners.

  • Social

    Txoko Ona hosts numerous social events throughout the year. Including weekly mus nights, dinners, and festivals.

  • Scholarships

    Txoko Ona offers scholarships to applicants for various Basque programs in the US and abroad.

  • Memorial Services

    Txoko Ona offers the usage of the center to families in need and assists with services.

  • Basques Beyond

    Txoko Ona supports Basque clubs across Idaho, the USA and beyond.

  • Outreach

    Txoko Ona supports other local community events and organizations.

Board of Directors

  • John Lejardi

    President

  • Lori Aguirre

    Vice President

  • Danny Uranga

    Board Member & Treasurer

  • LeAnda Uranga

    Secretary

  • Marc Asumendi

    Board Member

  • Clay Haylett

    Board Member

  • Tristen Licht

    Board Member & Rental Manager

  • Lisa Cowger

    Board Member

  • Matt Landa

    Board Member

Supporting Members

  • Gloria Lejardi

    NABO Representative; Language Instructor; Herribatza Danzariak, Dance Instructor

  • Amaya Aguirre-Landa

    Marketing & Event Coordination

  • Terri Uria

    Memorial Services