GENERAL MANAGEMENT PLAN
for
Nez Perce National Historical Park
and
Big Hole National Battlefield

NEZ PERCE CEMETERY

The Nez Perce Cemetery is an active, traditional Nez Perce cemetery. It occupies about 5 acres in Nespelem, Washington about 16 miles north of Coulee Dam on Washington Highway 155. The cemetery, has an association with the return of the Joseph Band from exile in Oklahoma. The site is administered by the Colville Confederated Tribes, with special attention from the Joseph Band of the Nez Perce. There are no visitor facilities and visitation is discouraged due to the extreme sensitivity of this cemetery.

This private cemetery holds the remains of many Nez Perce, including members of the Joseph Band and members allotted/enrolled on the Umatilla and Nez Perce Reservations. It is the primary active cemetery for the Joseph Band, holding the remains of participants in the Nez Perce War of 1877, including the younger Chief Joseph and Yellow Wolf. A 1905 monument has been placed on Chief Joseph's gravesite. A number of historic grave markers date from throughout the 20th century. There are many unmarked graves.

Only the Joseph Band, through the Colville Confederated Tribes, can decide what, if anything, should be done at this very sacred and sensitive site.
Map of site

 MANAGEMENT ISSUES

  • Visitors are sent to this sensitive site by other agencies.

  • The program presented by the Bureau of Reclamation at the visitor center in Coulee Dam is inaccurate.

 ACTION PLAN

  • Working closely with the Joseph Band through the Colville Confederated Tribes, the Park Service will review wording on the Washington Department of Transportation sign in Nespelem.

  • The Park Service will also work more closely with NPS at Lake Roosevelt National Recreation Area and with the Bureau of Reclamation to facilitate revision of interpretation at Coulee Dam.

  • All decisions about management of the cemetery will be made by the Joseph Band through the Colville Confederated Tribes. The Park Service will assist on management issues only if requested.

  • Visitation to the cemetery will not be encouraged.

  • Interpretation will be offered at a location other than this cemetery.

  • The Joseph Band will work with Coulee Dam and Nespelem city officials to implement tribal desires for the area, especially regarding tourism.


http://www.nps.gov/nepe/gmp8-37.htm
Last Updated: 12-Nov-1999 ÿ