The Nez Perce, the largest ethnic group in the Columbia Plateau, were closely related to the
Cayuse, Tenino and Umatilla tribes to their west. Their languages are closely related, all
part of the Sahaptian branch of the Penutian language phylum. The Nez Perce were also heavily
influenced by their Plains neighbors to the east. They acquired horses in the mid 1700's and
quickly became known for outstanding horsemanship. They maintained a traditional friendship
with the Americans, and allied themselves closely with the other Penutian speakers, trading and
hunting with them on generally good terms. They were much less friendly with the tribes to the
south and east, especially the Shoshonis, Bannocks and Blackfeet.
The relatively peaceful relations with the white people came to an end in the 1870's when the
United States withdrew the reservation status of the Wallowa valley in northeastern Oregon in
1875. Chief Joseph (Hin-ma-toe-yah-laht-khit) led his band in the Nez Perce War. In 1877, his
band was forced to retreat from the Wallowas, traveling 1,800 miles with U.S. Army in pursuit.
The army caught up with the band in Montana, and Chief Joseph surrendered. In a speech that has
become famous, he concludes with "Hear me, my chiefs. I am tired; my heart is sick and sad.
From where the sun now stands I will fight no more, forever."
This page was last updated on Friday, February 7, 1997 8:03:05 PM
