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The Nez Percé called themselves Nimipu or Tsoop-Nit-Pa-Loo ( Pierced Noses ) |
| The
name Nez Percé actually represents many distinct tribes
with many cultural differences that all existed together
peacefully, and for that reason they are usually thought
of as being one tribe. The words Nez Percé mean those with pierced noses. It is a misnomer given to the band of Indians by Lewis and Clark during their travels across the country. The real tribal name is Nee-Me-Poo. The Nez Percé have never practiced piercing in their ceremonies or in daily life. They were mistaken for another tribe that lived further south and did practice piercing in their religious ceremonies. The Nez Percé, the largest ethnic group in the Columbia Plateau, were related to the Cayuse, Tenino and Umatilla tribes. The Nez Percé were also heavily influenced by their Plains neighbours in 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. They were much less friendly with the tribes in the south and east, especially the Shoshonis, Bannocks and Blackfoot. 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 warriors in the Nez Percé 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 ends with " hear me, my chiefs. I am tired; my heart is sick and sad. I will fight no more ". |
