Home
Who We Are . . .
Join Us at
THE NEZ PERCE TRAIL FOUNDATION
Official Partner of the Nez Perce National Historic Trail
The support of the Nez Perce National Historic Trail, designated by Congress on October 6, 1986, is a major activity of the Nez Perce Trail Foundation. The Trail route is 1,170 miles long, beginning at Wallowa Lake, Oregon, and ending at the Bear Paw Battleground in Montana. The Nez Perce Trail Foundation is dedicated to the preservation, protection, and commemoration of all aspects of the heritage of the Nez Perce War of 1877 and its aftermath. A significant Foundation goal is to have the Nez Perce route available to auto travel, hiking, cycling, and equestrian use for experiencing the history, recreational and ceremonial observances.
Follow us on FACEBOOK
“Like” us on www.facebook.com/nezpercetf
Follow our journeys and photos on
InstaGram @NezPerceTrailFoundation
COVID 19 and it’s affect on the Nez Perce Trail Foundation
Due to the national COVID 19 situation, the Tamkaliks Pow Wow and Celebration was cancelled in July at Wallowa, Oregon, as were most of the gatherings of the Nez Perce Tribe this summer. Also postponed until 2022 was the Nez Perce Trail Foundation’s Summer Educational Trail Tour.
We look forward to a healthier and safer 2022 when we can once again resume our activities and studies regarding the Nez Perce War of 1877, and the interaction with the present Tribal members. The elders are everyone’s treasure, and we all agree that their well-being is foremost and should be protected.
Be safe, be healthy, and we pray for everyone’s welfare during these unfortunate times.
Qe’ciyéw’yew
Staying Home and Reaching Out . . .
During this mostly “stay at home” and guarded “slow re-opening” period of time, we would like to reach out to any person that is a descendant (or thinks they may be a descendant) of the Non-Treaty Nez Perce that is searching for long-lost relatives. This may involve many states and many families, but our goal is to help people re-unite with their culture, ancestors, and living families. Possibilities are with those persons located in Canada, Oklahoma, Kansas, Idaho, Montana, Wyoming, Washington and other states where survivors of the Nez Perce War of 1877 (and subsequent imprisonment for many) eventually ended up. This could involve many generations and long-lost oral stories, but if we can connect just a few to their heritage, we would consider it a huge success. If you have an interest, please contact the Nez Perce Trail Foundation for information and any questions.
A Journey to Indian Territory
A couple of years ago (pre-Covid), the staff of the Nez Perce Trail Foundation conducted their annual B.O.D. meeting in Leavenworth, Kansas. They also met with city officials to discuss the development of a Nez Perce War Memorial in town, as the exiled prisoners of the Nez Perce War of 1877 spent time at Ft. Leavenworth, Kansas after arriving from their capture site at Bears Paw, Montana.
This trip afforded the opportunity to explore the campsites that the Nez Perce prisoners occupied from 1877 to 1885. Rich in history, we explored and documented the areas and routes from Ft. Leavenworth, Baxter Springs, Quapaw, and Tonkawa.
Matt Nowak, NPTF Membership Director and retired Forester that served at Ft. Leavenworth, guided us to the actual site along the Missouri River. Indicative of their presence, we drove along Nez Perce Way and Chief Joseph Loop framed by the old pecan trees. A low-lying area, it is not hard to imagine the challenges they faced with yearly flooding, disease, and an inhospitable climate during that time.
The Nez Perce were shipped further south to Baxter Springs by rail.The railroad line still exists, as does most of the original town that was frequented by Chief Joseph and his people. They arrived here with several young casualties, whose tiny bodies were buried beside the old tracks. Local historian Larry D. O’Neal graciously spent the day with us sharing the local museum exhibits and more local sites related to Joseph’s Band. Charlie Moses, Jr. and wife Margaret presented Larry with a beautiful Pendleton blanket to honor his work and dedication in preserving the history of the Nez Perce while in exile.
We visited the riverside park near Baxter Springs, where impending yearly floods had invaded the peaceful, modern-day picnic grounds and forced the closing of the park. The Nez Perce had camped here, just outside the town. A kiosk describing the history and story of the Nez Perce still stoically stands amongst the overgrowth and isolation.
Again moved to another location by the U.S. Government, the prisoners were placed alongside a meandering stream just east of Quapaw, Oklahoma. The camp was situated in a prime area, but the main water source was continually contaminated by livestock. Sharing the area with the Modoc exiles also proved to be challenging, as they had occupied higher ground without that issue. Again, Joseph asked the government to be moved again, this time to a valley nearby with cleaner water. This was to be their last camp in Quapaw before moving west towards Tonkawa.
Finally, the remaining survivors were moved by wagon 170 miles west to an area near Ponca City, Oklahoma. A small rectangular area was designated as their new home, with abundant game, water, and crop-growing capabilities. Now known as Tonkawa (the Tonkawa Tribe occupied the area after the Nez Perce departure to the Northwest and hence the name), it was thought to be a more suitable location for the exiles.
Just south of Highway 177, a modest cemetery is located containing the remains of many of the Nez Perce who passed away while at this last location. No grave markers exist except for a central pink granite memorial. It is said that mainly children and elderly rest here, also the son of William Clark and a Nez Perce woman. Further down the road, the Tonkawa Tribal Headquarters is found, and we visited with the representatives there. They have been maintaining the cemetery for years, and keep it in immaculate condition out of respect.
When the Nez Perce were finally allowed to return to the Northwest, they were escorted northward to the closest railway station at Arkansas City, Kansas. At this location, they boarded the train that eventually delivered them back to the Northwest, their homelands, and the non-participants in the war. But that is another story to be told. This summer holds further exploration of the routes home; chapters that are so necessary to be included in expansion of the Nez Perce National Historic Trail.
Participants in the journey to Indian Territory included Jim and Bette Zimmerman, Charlie and Margaret Moses, Jr., Matt Nowak, Larry O’Neal, and Karen Heagen.
Jim Zimmerman, President of the NPTF, standing at the cemetery monument in Tonkawa, Oklahoma ©Photo by J. Zimmerman
“Women of the Warriors”
Tradition at Tamkaliks in it’s Fourth Year
CeCe Whitewolf, (a descendent of a Nez Perce woman killed at Bears Paw) and Karen Heagen, NPTF, recognized all of the women who are ancestors of those that were involved in the Nez Perce War of 1877. ©Photo by NPTF 2019
POSTPONED UNTIL JULY 2022
At Tamkaliks each year, the “Women of the Warriors” red tote bags are presented to the descendants of the women that were involved in the War of 1877 and the infamous Flight of the Nez Perce. Each bag is filled with symbolic herbs, offerings, and ceremonial gifts. This new tradition, originated and presented by CeCe Whitewolf, recognizes the Nez Perce women’s bravery, courage, and survival during incomprehensible conditions during the War of 1877. “They truly were heroes alongside the warriors— protecting and caring for the elders, children, sick, and wounded (and themselves), and providing food and shelter— all while attempting to make the 1,170 mile trek to Canada and freedom,” says Karen Heagen. The NPTF donates the commemorative “Women of the Warriors” red tote bags each year.
Staying the Course with Education and Special Projects
The Nez Perce Trail Foundation has had yet another busy season involved with the commemoration of the Nez Perce Trail. Our Board of Directors continues to explore projects and potential memorial sites that will educate and inform the public about the significance of the Nez Perce (Nee-Me-Poo) National Historic Trail (NPNHT). The NPTF will continue to follow implemented priorities of education through scholarships and special projects. At Tamkaliks last year, the NPTF awarded $2,000 worth of scholarships in the effort to encourage and fund deserving college-bound Native American students. To have a 2022 Scholarship Application emailed to you, please contact us via our contact information page, nezpercetrail.net/contact/
The Ft. Leavenworth Project, spearheaded by NPTF’s Matt Nowak, is still in the approval stage. City officials are considering the most appropriate spot for the memorial statue, acquiring grants for the project, and are eager to recognize the Nez Perce and their tragic history in the area. Our NPTF scouts have reported that little is known about the Nez Perce incarceration there by the general public. With the hopeful blessings of the Nez Perce Tribe, this long-overdue Nez Perce Memorial will signify the endurance and fortitude of the survivors of the War of 1877.
The Riparia Project— On yet another stage in the Northwest, Karen Heagen will be exploring the route taken by Chief Joseph and those that chose to follow him to Nespelem on the Colville Reservation in Washington state. The important division occurred at Wallula, WA, where the Nez Perce returning from exile were given a choice either to return to the Lapwai reservation, the Umatilla reservation, or continue north with Chief Joseph (who was given no choice by the U.S. government). Exploring the old railroad routes and historical societies along the way, Heagen is researching the details of their final journey from the Indian Territory (now Oklahoma). The NPTF eventually would like to construct memorial roadside plaques at Wallula and Riparia that explain the history of this final chapter.
Nez Perce tribal members walk the Bears Paw National Battlefield near Chinook, Montana. This was the not the end for many — capture and imprisonment for those that didn’t make it to Canada.
Your Complimentary
NPTF BROCHURE
is yours to download and print!
Pass it on to all of your friends and colleagues!
*Many thanks to Abracadabra Printing, Bend, Oregon
Become a Member or DONATE today so the NPTF can continue
to be involved with our worthwhile projects!
Send your Membership Dues or a DONATION to:
The Nez Perce Trail Foundation • P.O. Box 5024 • Bend, Oregon 97708
Qe’ciye’w’yew (Thank You!)
What are we doing with your dues and donations?
Let us count the ways!
Nez Perce Scholarship Funds
Special Projects, Trail Preservation, Marketing & Educational Efforts
The Annual NPTF Summer Educational Trail Tour
Bi-Annual Newsletters
Brochures & Collateral
Administration Costs
Postage, Travel, Correspondence and Printing
“We Serve to Tell the Story!”
PLEASE MAKE YOUR TAX-FREE DONATION TODAY
All NPTF Memberships Begin or Renew
at the beginning of each Calendar Year
January 1st
Use the “Donate” button above
If you have any questions, please contact:
Matt Nowak, NPTF Membership Chairman
Matthewhelen@aol.com
or
Tricia Taylor, Secretary / Treasurer
zimmete@aol.com
NPTF Adopted Revision of ByLaws
Click here to go directly to the ByLaws page
Qe’ciye’w’yew (Thank You!)
VIEW THE NPTF WEBSITE ON YOUR MOBILE DEVICE
Our new web design is mobile friendly. Now you can access our site as you travel the trail.
As always, go to NezPerceTrail.net, and we will be instantly formatted on your phone or mobile device.
Visit InstaGram @NezPerceTrailFoundation
“Like” our Facebook page at www.facebook.com/nezpercetf
Nu’nim Himyu’uma ka Lawtiwa’ama
(Our relatives and Friends)
The Official Language Program of the Nee-Me-Poo
Click here to find out more about the language
“Landscape of History, The Nez Perce Story”
(Youtube Video of the Nez Perce► 19:59)
ONGOING PLANS to UPDATE and REVISE the
COMPREHENSIVE PLAN for the NEZ PERCE (NEE-ME-POO)
NATIONAL HISTORIC TRAIL
NPNHT
For more information, please see
http://www.fs.usda.gov/npnht
Click on “Quick Links” in the right column
“COMPREHENSIVE MANAGEMENT PLAN REVISION”
The public is encouraged to view the video “A Landscape of History”
Click logo for website.
Click logo for website.
