Chief Joseph & Warriors Memorial Powwow

Honor the Past, Celebrate the Present, Shape the Future Identity is a key factor in community wellness, and our Nez Perce elders instilled in successive generations the importance of perpetuating tribal history, language, and culture. This tribal identity is taught through many forms of engagement, one of the most crucial being local community powwows, which help strengthen our identity. At these smaller local gatherings, elders impart “heart knowledge” using songs, regalia, drums, and dances, art forms that have been sustained and performed by the Nez Perce people for many generations.  But today, teaching tribal history is an ongoing battle in the face of modern distractions that compete for the interest of our youth. Recognizing this challenge more than 40 years ago, and fearing that important tribal history was being forgotten, a group of tribal members (descendants of the Nez Perces present during the War of 1877) formed a committee and established the Chief Joseph and Warriors Memorial Powwow. When first developed, this annual event sparked renewed interest in younger generations and attracted visitors from other tribes. At one time, this powwow was so popular, it was one of the largest tribal events in the Pacific Northwest! Unfortunately, interest has waned over the years, and the committee has found it increasingly difficult to continue this powwow, yet these tribal elder DO continue to host it with minimal funding and support.  To help renew interest and increase participation in The Chief Joseph & Warriors Memorial and Celebration powwow, we’re raising funds that will go directly to the committee to help cover expenses. They are a volunteer-based group that relies on fundraising to continue this memorial year after year, and they gratefully accept any donation amount. Please help us renew this deeply meaningful powwow for current and future generations. Qe’ciyew'yew! (Thank you) #ChiefJosephAndWarriorsMemorial