2003 Annual Meeting
New Website
Administrative Assistant’s Corner
St. Louis Warriors Memorial
Fort Leavenworth, Kansas Memorial
Upcoming Events in Nez Perce Country
A Glimpse of the Past
 

NPNHT Foundation Annual Meeting Goes to Bear Paw

Several interesting speakers have been invited. Two local men will speak on the Nez Perce route from Cow Island crossing to the Bear Paw Battlefield and the archaeology of the Battlefield. George Kush, a Canadian, will share information on the Nez Perce who managed to continue on to Canada. We’re still in the process of finalizing the program, so be looking for an informational flyer in the near future.

Plans for the first day center around an unusual field trip. On Friday, the Appaloosa Horse Club will be concluding a cycle of the Chief Joseph Trail Ride as they ride into the Bear Paw Battlefield area. We plan to take our meeting attendees to the Battlefield in mid-morning, via tour bus, with a stop at the Blaine County Museum, where we will view an excellent video on the Battle. At the Battlefield, we will enjoy a conducted tour. Following a lunch provided by the Foundation, we plan a historical discussion and then will observe the arrival of the Trail Riders and meet with them during the afternoon. It will be an experience you will not want to miss.

Chinook is the closest town to the Bear Paw Battlefield. There are two motor inns located in Chinook with more to be found in Havre, Montana, 21 miles west of Chinook. We recommend that lodging reservations be made soon. Some lodging possibilities in Chinook, Montana are:

Bear Paw Motel and Trailer Court (RV hookups available) 888.357.2224
Chinook Motor Inn 406.357.2248
Some possibilities in Havre, Montana:
Best Western Great Northern Inn (RV hookup available) 406.265.4200
Duck Inn 800.455.9615
El Toro Inn 800.422.5414
Havre Budget Inn 406.265.8625
Havre Super 8 Motel 800.800.8000
Siesta Motel 406.265.5863
Townhouse Inn of Havre 406.365.6711

New Administrative Assistant

NPNHT Foundation's New Office

The Clearwater National Forest has graciously allowed the Foundation to set up an office within the Supervisor’s Office in Orofino, Idaho. The Foundation hopes this increases coordination with Sandi McFarland, NPNHT Administrator.

Therefore, the Foundation has a new address and phone number. Our physical address is 12730 Highway 12, Orofino, Idaho. The new mailing address is PO Box 2544, Orofino, ID 83544. The Administrative Assistant can be contacted at 208.476.8227 or email at steiner@nezpercetrail.net. Our fax number is 208.476.8285.

 

WWW.NEZPERCETRAIL.NET
 
The Foundation would like to announce their new website at www.nezpercetrail.net. You can find a current list of the board of directors and officers. There is an online form for becoming a member. We also have a news page that currently houses the previous newsletters. We have also added a calendar of Nez Perce Country Events. A special link on our site is a language site where we have some common words in Nez Perce. We are continuing to add new links and information to the site. A special thank you goes out to Kelly Andersson for a great design job.

Administrative Assistant’s Corner By Carolyn Steiner

Hi. I am very excited to be working for the Nez Perce National Historic Trail Foundation. The past month has been a challenge setting up an office in the Clearwater National Forest Supervisor’s Office, and getting the new office operational. I am generally at the office Monday through Thursday, 8am to 4pm. This will change when I work weekends at upcoming events. If you have any questions or comments concerning the Foundation, please contact me at 208.476.8227 or email steiner@nezpercetrail.net.

My dreams and goals for the Foundation are limitless. The Rocky Mountain Elk Foundation poster I have on the wall is not there just for a great picture of a bull elk. Do I expect the NPNHT Foundation to grow to the size of the RMEF? Maybe, but I do not expect it to happen overnight. Right now we need to have open minds, and realize that there are no limits to the Foundation’s future in stimulating public knowledge and awareness about the Nez Perce National Historic Trail and the story of the 1877 War.

National Trails Day Coloring Contest

The Nez Perce National Historic Trail (NPNHT) and the NPNHT Foundation co-sponsored a coloring contest among first and second grade students at Orofino Elementary School. Winners of the contest were given ribbons, certificates, lunch bags, CD holders, water bottles, and flashlights. All entrants were given a pencil and a tattoo. We would like to thank all the kids for an awesome job. Also we would like to thank the school secretaries and the teachers for their help.

 

Nez Perce National Historic Trail Foundation T·Shirts Available

Due to popular demand, a new batch of the NPNHT Foundation T·shirts were printed last summer. They include the logo found on the highway signs along the length of the Nee-Me-Poo trail.  There are three colors -- stonewashed blue, stonewashed green and brown -- in sizes small to 2XL. Cost of the T·shirt is $15.00 plus $3.50 for shipping/handling. Send checks with color/size info to: NPNHT Foundation P.O. Box 2544, Orofino, Idaho 83544.


Ceremony in St. Louis for Nez Perce Warriors
Article and Photos By Brian McCormack

In October 1831, four Nez Perce warriors, Speaking Eagle (Man-of-the-Morning), Black Eagle, No-Horns-On-His-Head and Rabbit-Skin-Leggings, arrived in St. Louis. Feeling pressure from an encroaching white presence in their homeland, these men sought information on the white man’s culture and a greater understanding of the “book of heaven.”

While in St. Louis, they sought out General William Clark, then the superintendent of Indian Affairs for the Missouri River country and the Pacific Northwest. William Clark had met up with the Nez Perce 25 years earlier when he and Meriwether Lewis traveled through Nez Perce country during their cross country Corps of Discovery expedition.

Shortly after arriving in St. Louis, having been exposed to new ailments and lacking immunization, Black Eagle and Speaking Eagle became ill and died. They were baptized, and Black Eagle was given the Christian name Narcisse, and Speaking Eagle was named Paul. They were buried in a Catholic cemetery, and were subsequently relocated and reburied at least four times, due to the city’s health concerns about cemeteries. They were located in their final resting place in an unmarked, mass grave at Cavalry Cemetery in St. Louis.
 

In 2000, the Nez Perce St. Louis Warriors Committee was formed to raise funds to build a lasting monument to these four Nez Perce warriors. An 8-foot granite memorial was designed by the committee, and placed at the unmarked mass grave at Calvary Cemetery. The inscription of the monument can be found in our last edition of 'Iskitpe.
In 2003, descendants and other relatives of the four Nez Perce warriors traveled to St. Louis to honor these brave Nez Perce explorers. About 75 Nez Perce tribal members traveled to St. Louis to take part in the two days of ceremonies to unveil the granite monument. Representatives from other Pacific Northwest tribes, as well as church officials also made the long journey.

On Friday, March 28, 2003, a colloquium and small powwow by Nez Perce tribal members was held at the History Museum of the Missouri Historical Society. On Saturday afternoon, the unveiling ceremony began at Calvary Cemetery. The Nez Perce conducted a traditional pipe ceremony, sang honor songs, led an empty saddle horse parade, and several tribal and local dignitaries took the microphone to talk about the significance of this event. The weather changed many times throughout the 3-hour ceremony. Despite the weather, everyone felt honored to be at this ceremony, including the many St. Louis residents that attended the ceremony.
On Saturday evening, the Missouri Historical Society held a formal dinner for the Nez Perce at the museum and many gifts were exchanged. The Missouri Historical Society presented two framed reproductions of the famous George Catlin paintings of Rabbit-Skin-Leggings and No-Horns-On His Head to Sam Penney, Nez Perce Tribal chairman. Catlin painted the two Nez Perce warriors on their return trip from St. Louis in 1832. These paintings are on display at the Nez Perce tribal headquarters in Lapwai, Idaho.

Fund raising efforts are continuing to pay the balance of the granite memorial. The Nez Perce St. Louis Warriors committee is still seeking donations through sales of T-shirts, programs and cash donations. Also, a presentation is planned in Lapwai in the near future to share slides, videos and stories from those that attended the ceremonies.

For further information or to make donations, email Crystal White, project director, at Npslw@aol.com or you can write to her at PO Box 261, Pullman, Washington 99163.
Brian McCormack was one of thirteen members of the St. Louis Warriors Memorial Advisory Committee. He assisted in the planning of the events in St. Louis, which he attended.

 

Fort Leavenworth, Kansas Memorial
By Matt Nowak

There were about 60 people attending the Nez Perce Memorial service at Chief Joseph Picnic Area on Fort Leavenworth on Sunday, March 30, 2003. Wilfred Scott conducted the ceremony under the large cottonwood trees that were on an island in the Missouri River in 1877-1878 when the Nez Perce were originally here.
Prior to the public ceremony, Nez Perce visited the incarceration site which was inside the horse race track and near the road to Rialto. Only the road exists today, but it has proven valuable in locating the original incarceration site. Unfortunately, the burial sites have never been located. The fort makes land management decisions with the burial sites in mind and coordinates with Nez Perce in Idaho and at the Colville Reservation.

Matt Nowak, Fort Leavenworth Natural Resources Director, explained some of the natural and cultural resources history relating to this site and the Nez Perce. Scotty explained specific cultural resources history and details of present-day Nez Perce and the memorials that they conduct at significant sites around the country. He talked about their return from St. Louis and the memorial dedication there and explained that they would also be continuing on to Oklahoma before returning to Idaho.

Mrs. Scott presented gifts to some young girls in the local community for a school report and Scotty presented gifts to any of the veterans that participated in the day's memorial service. Mr. Gary Ortiz, the Leavenworth City Manager, presented the official city flag and coins as gifts from the city and from the fort.

Immediately following the ceremonies, some Nez Perce visited the existing stone monument with the brass plaque and the audio story at the road to Rialto entrance to the airfield. Mr. Nowak pointed out the location for the proposed Joseph/Nez Perce Monument on the knoll with a view of the tent and tipi village of 1877-1878. Afterwards they discussed the possibility of including the Fort Leavenworth site as part of the Nez Perce National Historic Trail.

 

Lolo Pass Visitor Center Grand Opening

On Friday, June 27, 2003, the Clearwater National Forest, Montana Department of Transportation, and Idaho Department of Transportation plan to have Grand Opening ceremonies at the newly constructed Lolo Pass Visitor Center. A formal dedication will be held from 10:00 to 12:00. Fun and educational activities will take place from 1:00 to 4:00. One particular activity is the Nez Perce Young Horsemen parade in full regalia at Packer Meadows. The Nez Perce National Historic Trail is donating a bronze bust of Chief Joseph to be located inside the Visitor Center.

 

Looking Glass Memorial

On July 1, 2003, Dworshak-Kooskia National Fish Hatchery and the Nez Perce National Historic Trail plan to unveil the new stone and bronze memorial at the Looking Glass interpretive trail. The US Fish and Wildlife Service owns the site of the Looking Glass village that was attacked by a detachment of cavalry accompanied by volunteers on July 1, 1877. The original marker which was installed in 1928 had been destroyed by vandals some years ago. The bronze plaque survived.

The Nez Perce Tribe plans to do the posting of colors, and drum for flag song. Horace Axtell will offer a special blessing of the site and monument. Al Wheeler, a direct descendant of Chief Looking Glass, is planned to attend and speak. NPTEC chairman Anthony Johnson also plans to attend.

 

2003 Tamkaliks Celebration

On Friday, July 18th, there will be a "ride in" which symbolizes the return of the Nez Perce people and related groups to the Wallowa country. Friday afternoon and Saturday morning are dedicated to namings and memorials. There will be at least two memorials, maybe more. Friday evening is the first dance session, Saturday afternoon and evening and Sunday afternoon is dedicated to dancing, also. On Sunday morning everyone will enjoy the FRIENDSHIP BREAKFAST. Indian participants bring elk, venison and salmon. A local supporter donates a buffalo and local residents and visitors bring the side dishes. There are usually between 500 and 600 people attending this function. There is no charge for the feast.

Appaloosa Horse Club's Chief Joseph Trail Ride

CHIEF JOSEPH TRAIL RIDE:  The Appaloosa Horse Club's annual Chief Joseph Trail Ride (CJTR) for 2003 will leave from the Breaks of the Missouri on July 28 and conclude at the Bear Paw Battlefield. The 2003 ride marks the 39th anniversary of the third time through the entire trail. Nez Perce riders have been going on the CJTR since 1991, but this will be the first time on the Bears Paw segment of the ride. There have typically been 300 riders from around the world participating in the annual rides. This year there will be a special event on the last day. It will involve the Nez Perce, US Army and all the riders on the CJTR.

The cost is $330 per rider and $280 per non rider. Children 12-18 can ride for $280. Applications are due by July 1, 2003. More information can be found on the ApHC's website at appaloosa.com/trail.shtm

 

Calendar of Events

June 2003
27
Dedication of Lolo Pass Visitor Center, Lolo Pass, Idaho/Montana Border.
27-29
Lewis & Clark Discovery Faire, Pioneer Park, Lewiston, Idaho.
July 2003
1
Looking Glass Dedication, Dworshak Kooskia National Fish Hatchery, Kooskia, Idaho.
4-13
Confederated Tribes of the Colville Reservation 4th of July Celebration, Nespelem, Washington.
11
Clearwater River Memorial, Stites, Idaho.
18
Tamkaliks Celebration, Wallowa, Oregon.
24-27
Chief Joseph Days, Joseph, Oregon.
26
Wy-Kan-Ush-Pum,Governor Motel, Portland, Oregon.
28-Aug. 1
Chief Joseph Trail Ride
August 2003
1-2
NPNHT Annual Meeting and Educational Sessions, Chinook, Montana.
2-6
American Indian Alaska Native Tourism Conference, Phoenix, Arizona.
9
Big Hole Memorial, Wisdom, Montana.
21-24
PNTS Conference, Bow, Washington.
September 2003
17
Canyon Creek Memorial.
October 2003
5
Bear Paw Memorial.


Call for Nominations

As most everybody is aware, it is time to start thinking about Board of Director and Officer nominations. In particular we are needing to fill the vacant Vice President position. Please start thinking of a current Foundation member that would be able to put in the time and effort that is required of a NPNHT Foundation Board of Director or Officer.

A Glimpse of the Past: First Known White Man Into the Nez Perce Homeland

On September 20, 1805 , William Clark came onto the Weippe Prairie in Idaho. Clark wrote "ascended a steep mountain leaving the creek (Lolo Creek) to our left hand, passed the head of several streams on a dividing ridge, and at 12 miles descended the mountain to a level pine country proceeded on through a butifull country for 3 miles to a small plain in which I found many Indian lodges.” One mile from the lodges he met up with 3 Indian (Nez Perce) boys, who quickly hid in the tall grass. He found two of the boys giving them small pieces of ribbon and sent them forward to the village. Soon after a man came out to meet Clark and conducted Clark to a large spacious lodge. The Chief and warriors were gone battling a tribe to the Southwest.

The Nez Perce offered Clark small pieces of buffalo meat, dried salmon berries and roots in which Clark gave them a few small articles as presents.

Members of Twisted Hair’s camp considered killing Lewis & Clark for their weapons. They were dissuaded by an old women named Watkuweis (meaning returned from a Far Country). She overheard the plans to kill the white men. She spoke up saying "These men are So-yap-pos! Good Men! Men like these were good to me. Do not kill them! DO THEM NO HARM!"