🐴 Nez Perce (Nimiipuu)

Who Are the Nez Perce?

The Nez Perce (Nimiipuu, "The People") are a Native American nation numbering approximately 3,500 enrolled members, based on the Nez Perce Reservation in north-central Idaho, with additional communities in Washington and Oklahoma (descendants of those who fled to Canada). They speak Nez Perce, a Sahaptian language. The name "Nez Perce" (French for "pierced nose") was misapplied by early French traders. The Nimiipuu traditionally inhabited the Columbia Plateau—where Idaho, Washington, and Oregon meet—developing distinctive culture around salmon fishing, camas root gathering, and later, horse breeding. The Appaloosa horse breed originates from Nez Perce herds.

Plateau Culture

Nez Perce culture adapted to the diverse Columbia Plateau environment. Salmon runs provided primary food source; first salmon ceremonies honored the fish's return. Camas root (a lily bulb) was harvested from Camas Prairie, dried, and stored. After acquiring horses (early 1700s), Nez Perce developed exceptional herds—particularly the spotted Appaloosa, selectively bred for stamina and intelligence. They crossed the Rockies to hunt buffalo on the Plains, adopting some Plains cultural elements while maintaining Plateau identity. Villages were autonomous; leadership was achieved through merit rather than heredity.

Chief Joseph's Flight

The 1877 Nez Perce War became an American epic. When the US demanded non-treaty bands move to a reduced reservation, Chief Joseph (Hin-mah-too-yah-lat-kekt, "Thunder Rolling Down the Mountain") and other leaders attempted peaceful compliance. But young warriors' revenge killings for past wrongs sparked conflict. The Nez Perce—750 people including women, children, and elderly—fled toward Canada, outmaneuvering and outfighting US Army forces for 1,170 miles over four months. Captured 40 miles from Canada, Joseph's surrender speech ("I will fight no more forever") became iconic. The survivors were exiled to Indian Territory; some eventually returned to Idaho.

Reservation and Recovery

The Nez Perce Reservation, established 1863, was reduced multiple times. Those who fled with Joseph were initially forbidden to return; Joseph died in exile in Washington (1904). Allotment further diminished land base. The tribe faced poverty, cultural suppression, and land loss. Mid-20th century brought reorganization, legal victories, and cultural revival. The tribe has successfully litigated for fishing rights, water rights, and treaty enforcement. The Nez Perce National Historical Park preserves sites along the flight route. Appaloosa horse breeding has revived—the tribe operates an Appaloosa breeding program.

Contemporary Nez Perce

Modern Nez Perce Tribe pursues cultural preservation, natural resource management, and economic development. Language revitalization programs combat severe decline (fewer than 100 fluent speakers). Salmon restoration is priority—the tribe manages hatcheries and advocates for dam removal on the Snake River. The Appaloosa Horse Club maintains breed registry; the tribe breeds horses. Gaming, forestry, and agriculture provide income. Annual celebrations (Nez Perce Tribe Appaloosa Horse Parade, Pi-Nee-Waus Days) maintain traditions. How the Nez Perce preserve language, restore salmon runs, and develop their homeland honors Chief Joseph's legacy of dignity and resistance.

References

• Josephy, A. M. Jr. (1965). The Nez Perce Indians and the Opening of the Northwest
• West, E. (2009). The Last Indian War: The Nez Perce Story
• Walker, D. E. Jr. (1998). Nez Perce (Handbook of North American Indians)