Nez Perce Wallowa Homeland

The Dance Arbor at the base of Tick Hill at the Nez Perce Wallowa Homeland in Wallowa, OR.

Teepee set up for camping at the Nez Perce Wallowa Homeland in Wallowa, OR.

Overhead view from Tick Hill of a series of historic steel-truss bridges span the Wallowa River to connect the Nez Perce Wallowa Homeland to the town of Wallowa. This enhanced pedestrian route has been designed as a tangible metaphor, a bridge between communities. The footbridge is open to the public and provides an easy shortcut to the town of Wallowa and all it has to offer.

A visitor rests at the gazebo on Tick Hill above the Nez Perce Wallowa Homeland in Wallowa, OR, overlooking the beautiful Wallowa Valley.

A group of youngsters riding horses at the Nez Perce Wallowa Homeland in Wallowa, OR.

One corner of the Nez Perce Wallowa Homeland Visitor Center.

One corner of the Nez Perce Wallowa Homeland Visitor Center in Wallowa, OR.

The commercial kitchen at the Nez Perce Wallowa Homeland meets specifications for licensed food production. It includes an industrial gas range, reach-in cooler, triple sink and is fully stocked with pots, pans and kitchen tools. It can be used during Longhouse events and is a hub for cooking during Tamkaliks weekend. It is available for community use as well, as a commercial kitchen or to cater events at the Dance Arbor.

The Longhouse is an area dedicated to the practice of traditions native to the people of the Columbia River Plateau. It is a spiritual gathering place for the celebration of life. It has been a living space where families and extended families share life’s milestones, from naming to passing. A space to give thanks to the Creator for all that has been provided, season to season, day to day.

The building completed in Wallowa in 2016 is framed by huge, hand-peeled tamarack harvested in the Lostine River drainage. Custom milled lumber and rustic metal work contribute to a reverent space. A central air handling system helps to moderate summer temperatures and the concrete floor has radiant heat available in cool weather. The floor of the wash was put in place with dirt gathered from significant sites around the northwest. The longhouse is available to individual families as well as for camps and education. Tables and chairs on hand accommodate about 80 people, with advance notice more are available in the community. Overflow areas can be set up outside. Funerals always take precedence in scheduling.

The sweat lodge is a sacred place where one can go to cleanse both body and mind, and prepare for daily life, hunting or ceremonial activities. Ours is enclosed by a privacy fence and has direct access to the river. The enclosed area is partially covered, over the lodge but not over the fire pit.

One of twelve bronze interpretive plaques placed throughout the Nez Perce Wallowa Homeland in Wallowa, OR.

“Lilóoynin’ ‘éetx páaycix - Glad you’re here”

“This is a special place. It has always been so. The land, water and all beings were given a place to abide by the Creator. The Creator placed here the people who later became known as the Joseph Band. Now, many people come here -- some to be at home once more, some to see the heartland from which a people were exiled, some to simply appreciate beauty. Respect this place, yourself, and all that come here.”

One of twelve bronze interpretive plaques placed throughout the Nez Perce Wallowa Homeland in Wallowa, OR, with the Longhouse in the background.

“Talapóosanwaas - Place of prayer”

“What began as a communal home sheltering a few families, evolved into a place for gatherings and other special occasions. Today, it has become a principal place for community worship and continual traditional and spiritual guidance.”

One of twelve bronze interpretive plaques placed throughout the Nez Perce Wallowa Homeland in Wallowa, OR.

“Kawó’ titwatli kaa tamtáayn - Now tell stories and news”

“Sit. Rest. Eat. Tell stories. Share news. Talk to friends -- new and old. Take time to remember. Think about the future. Ponder what is happening today. This shade, these rocks, this day -- an opportunity to renew relationships and to be together.”

One of twelve bronze interpretive plaques placed throughout the Nez Perce Wallowa Homeland in Wallowa, OR.

“Koná ‘elwInikinwees - Over yonder, the winter camps”

“For the winter season, the people moved to the Imnaha River and Joseph Creek canyons, as they are now known. The steep walls of the canyons provided shelter from cold winds and deep snows for people, birds, fish and animals. The water was cold, clear and ample.”

One of twelve bronze interpretive plaques placed throughout the Nez Perce Wallowa Homeland in Wallowa, OR.

“Ku wéetes ntiunim tititiume pahãwtcina - This land our ancestors revered”

This land, as far as your eyes can see, is a home. Witness its splendor, magnificence, majesty. Consider living here thousands of years and being forced to leave this land’s abundance and the bones of your loved ones. Envision an elder who has never been here, yet she knows this place because she has heard about it for generations.”

One of twelve bronze interpretive plaques placed throughout the Nez Perce Wallowa Homeland in Wallowa, OR.

“Ku wéetes hitqéwts’eye hete’ewnIx ke imee kine hiwsnne - People who care about this land”

“Many who live here now share an affinity for this country. The bond that our ancestors felt toward this land still lives in the hearts of their descendants. Residents and returning descendants work to fulfill an old dream, homecoming.”

One of twelve bronze interpretive plaques placed throughout the Nez Perce Wallowa Homeland in Wallowa, OR.

“PI’amkinwaas kaa tukéywenwees - Place of gathering and place to dance”

“A place to be together in the homeland once again, celebrating survival and remembering those who made sacrifices so we could be here today.”

One of twelve bronze interpretive plaques placed throughout the Nez Perce Wallowa Homeland in Wallowa, OR.

“Wáaqo’ ciláakt hickiliitoqsa wéetesx -- ‘ée ‘aqa’ánno - Now the body returns to mother earth -- respect it”

“All who lie here fulfill a promise. We are born of our mother. Our physical remains return to her when we die. All living beings experience this great law. Once laid to rest, the remains should be left alone. This is also a law.”

A healthy riparian area of black cottonwood, willows, and black birch. Grasses, cattails, rushes, and reeds compliment the trees.

Descendants of the Wal̓wá·ma afloat on Wallowa Lake in a hand-hewn canoe, 2017

Nez Perce tribal member Levi Carlson fishes the Imnaha River using a dip-net

Procession carrying Tuekakas’ remains to the current burial site in 1926