The traditional homeland for the Nez Perce culture was in the breathtakingly beautiful Wallowa Valley of what is now the state of Oregon . They traveled across Oregon , Washington and Idaho, living the life of a nomadic Indian tribe.

Animals of the region were used for food and a source of clothing. Tipis, tent-like structures made from animals hides, provided shelter from rain and cold. Tipis were also dismantled and constructed into a travois – a cart used to move belongings – that was pulled behind a horse.

Too often the image of Native Americans is to be a war-like people. This is not true of the Nez Perce. The Nez Perce welcomed Lewis and Clark , fur trappers, and missionaries like Marcus and Narcissa Whitman. It is to be noted that Marcus Whitman and his wife were killed by Native Americans who lived in the Wallowa valley, but the Nez Perce did not participate in this tragedy.

The most well renowned leader of the Nez Perce is Chief Joseph . When gold was discovered on Nez Perce land they were forced to move to a reservation that did not include the Wallowa Valley , the ancient land of their people. Chief Joseph led the Nez Perce on a tragic flight from the army that ended just forty miles from the Canadian border and safety. At the time of their capture Chief Joseph told the American general, “I will fight no more forever.”