The Nimiipuu (Nez Perce) have occupied the Plateau area of the Northwest for at least 11,000 years. They are truly of the land.
According Nimiipuu tradition, the world before humans was inhabited by animals who possessed human traits. The main animal was Coyote, who at times had superhuman powers. When a monster began to consume the animals, Coyote tricked the monster into swallowing him. While in the monster's stomach, Coyote killed the monster and set the animals free. He then carved the monster into pieces and scattered the parts throughout the land, where they became the various Native American tribes. He sprinkled the monster's blood in the Plateau area. From the blood came the Nimiipuu people. The landform that illustrates this story is called Heart of the Monster and is protected as part of Nez Perce National Historical Park.
From the beginning, Nimiipuu have utilized various geologic formations in their cultural heritage. Many of Nez Perce National Historical Park's sites are geologic formations that represent ties between the Nimiipuu and the earth. They are considered sacred and should be respected as such.
