The Nez Perce Tribe stands as a vibrant and historically significant entity among the five federally recognized tribes residing within the state of Idaho. Their story is one woven with threads of resilience, cultural richness, and a deep connection to the lands they have inhabited for millennia. The name of Chief Joseph, a leader renowned for his strategic brilliance and eloquent advocacy for his people, is inextricably linked to the tribe’s history and struggles.
Unveiling the Identity: Names and Meanings
The official tribal name, Nez Perce Tribe, reflects the recognition granted by the United States government. However, to truly understand the tribe, one must delve into the meanings embedded within their ancestral names.
- Niimíipuu: This name, translating to simply "The People," encapsulates the tribe’s self-identification and their inherent connection to one another. It is a name that speaks to their unity and shared identity.
- cúpnitpeľuu (also spelled Cuupn’itpel’uu): This name, derived from the Sahaptin language, offers a more descriptive understanding of the Nez Perce’s origins. Literally translating to "the People Walking Single File Out of the Forest," or "we walked out of the woods or walked out of the mountains" according to Nez Perce oral tradition, it alludes to a time before the acquisition of horses, when travel was primarily on foot and dictated by the natural terrain. This name evokes images of a people emerging from a forested or mountainous landscape, marking a transition in their history.
The common name, Nez Perce, is a French term meaning "pierced nose." Ironically, this name is a misnomer, as the practice of piercing the nose was not customary among the Nez Perce. It was, in fact, a tradition practiced by the Chinook, a neighboring tribe, leading to a case of mistaken identity by early French explorers and fur traders.
Throughout history, the tribe has been known by various alternate names, each offering a glimpse into how they were perceived by others:
- Chopunnish: Used by William Clark in his journals, this name is a direct reference to the Nez Perce people.
- Niimiipu, Nez Percé: These are variations of the official and traditional names.
- Blue Mud Indians, Blue Earths, Green Wood Indians: These names, referencing the colors of Nez Perce face paint, provide insight into the tribe’s cultural practices and the visual impressions they left on those who encountered them.
Geographical Footprint: Territory and Reservations
The Nez Perce Tribe’s traditional territory encompassed a vast expanse of approximately 17,000,000 acres (69,000 km2) at the time of the Lewis and Clark Expedition (1804–1806). This territory spanned parts of present-day Washington, Oregon, Montana, and Idaho, centering around the Snake, Salmon, and Clearwater rivers. The landscape ranged from the rugged Bitterroot Mountains in the east to the rolling Blue Mountains in the west, reflecting the diverse ecosystems that sustained the Nez Perce way of life.
Today, the Nez Perce Reservation, located primarily in Idaho, serves as the tribal headquarters and the heart of the Nez Perce community. The headquarters are located in Lapwai, Idaho. The reservation encompasses 1,195 square miles (3,100 km2) and represents a fraction of their original territory, a poignant reminder of the historical pressures and land cessions that have shaped their present-day reality.
Encounters and Interactions: A History of Contact
The Nez Perce Tribe’s initial interactions with Europeans occurred in the late 1700s with the arrival of French fur traders. These encounters marked the beginning of a period of profound change and transformation for the tribe.
A significant moment in their history arrived in 1805 when William Clark and five members of the Lewis and Clark Expedition, on an advance hunting mission, became the first American explorers to meet the Nez Perce. This encounter initiated a period of both cooperation and conflict, as the tribe navigated the complexities of interacting with an expanding nation.
Language and Culture: Preserving Heritage
The Nez Perce language, known as Niimiipuutímt, belongs to the Penutian language family, specifically the Plateau Penutian and Sahaptian branches. This intricate and expressive language features two primary dialects: Upper Nez Perce and Lower Nez Perce. A unique characteristic of Niimiipuutímt is the capacity of a single verb to convey the meaning of an entire English sentence, highlighting its complexity and efficiency.
Unfortunately, like many indigenous languages, Niimiipuutímt is critically endangered. The number of fluent speakers is estimated to be fewer than 100. Recognizing the urgency of the situation, the Nez Perce Tribe has implemented a language revitalization program aimed at reintroducing the language into daily life and ensuring its survival for future generations.
Way of Life: Subsistence, Housing, and Social Structure
The Nez Perce Tribe traditionally followed a seasonal round, migrating between permanent winter villages and temporary camps to utilize the diverse resources available throughout the year. This pattern reflected their deep understanding of the natural world and their ability to adapt to its rhythms.
Salmon fishing played a crucial role in their subsistence. Celilo Falls on the Columbia River was a favored location for this activity until the construction of The Dalles Dam in 1957 submerged the falls. Hunting expeditions to the Great Plains of Montana to hunt bison were also undertaken. However, fish remained their primary source of protein. They also hunted deer, elk, and small game. Camas, a root vegetable similar to a potato, was a staple food, gathered in the region between the Salmon and Clearwater rivers. They also gathered other plants and root crops for both food and medicine, and various berries, which were ground with fat to make pemmican.
Housing consisted of portable tipis constructed from pine sapling poles covered with buffalo hides. These dwellings provided shelter and mobility, allowing the Nez Perce to follow the seasonal movements of game and resources.
In 1800, the Nez Perce had more than 100 permanent villages, ranging in size from 50 to 600 individuals, depending on the season and social grouping. Archaeologists have identified approximately 300 related sites, including camps and villages, primarily located in the Salmon River Canyon.
Spiritual Beliefs: Weyekins and Vision Quests
The spiritual beliefs of the Nez Perce Tribe revolved around the concept of weyekins (Wie-a-kins), which served as a link to the spiritual realm and offered protection from harm. A weyekin would protect one from harm and become a personal guardian spirit.
To acquire a weyekin, individuals would embark on a vision quest, venturing alone into the mountains for several days of fasting and meditation. During this quest, they might receive a vision of a spirit, often in the form of a mammal or bird, either physically or in a dream or trance.
The weyekin was believed to bestow the animal’s powers upon its bearer. For example, a deer might grant swiftness, while a bear might impart knowledge of medicinal remedies. A person’s weyekin was a deeply personal entity, rarely shared with others, and contemplated in solitude. The weyekin remained with the individual throughout their life, providing guidance and protection.
A Legacy of Resilience
The Nez Perce Tribe has persevered through immense challenges, from forced removals and land cessions to cultural assimilation efforts. Despite these hardships, they have maintained their cultural identity, language, and traditions, demonstrating remarkable resilience and determination. Today, the tribe is actively involved in various initiatives, including language revitalization, economic development, and cultural preservation, ensuring that the legacy of the Niimíipuu endures for generations to come.