Aug 2004
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Nez Perce Memorial

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Nez Perce Memorial

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During the summer of 1877, the U.S. Army ordered all remaining Nez Perce on the reservation. Five bands objected because they had never sold their land to the U.S. government nor signed a treaty. A few warriors killed settlers in revenge for past murders of their own people, which caused the U.S. Army to pursue those who were en route to the reservation. Their journey, which began in June, became a flight marked by skirmishes and battles, the last of which stopped them in October, less than 40 miles from safety in Canada.

Wilfred Scott, of the Nez Perce Tribal Executive Committee, wants the park to know that Nez Perce ancestors "were there, and had a long history of coming to Yellowstone prior to the 1877 conflict."

This was the first time in Yellowstone's history that the Nez Perce memorial occurred in the park. Ceremonies have been conducted at all of the other Nez Perce War sites administered by the National Park Service and that are part of the larger Nez Perce (Nee-Mee-Poo) National Historic Trail.

Strengthening relationships with the park's 26 associated tribes, including the Nez Perce Tribe, is a priority for Yellowstone National Park. This event provided an opportunity in a much larger, parkwide effort to further mutual understanding, as well as preserve cultural diversity.