Weekly Column: Idaho's Native American Heritage

An exquisitely beaded pair of moccasins said to have been owned by Nez Perce Chief Peo Peo T´olikt are among the collection of the National Museum of the American Indian.  Along with a photograph of Chief Peo Peo T´olikt, the Museum includes a brief description of his life from Allen Pinkham, Sr., Tribal Elder and former Chairman of the Nez Perce Tribe Executive Committee, that begins, “Peo Peo T´olikt was a grandson of Ni Mii Puu leader Xa xac ilpilp (Red Grizzly Bear), who met and counseled explorers Lewis and Clark in 1805 and 1806. . . .” and can be read here: https://americanindian.si.edu/exhibitions/infinityofnations/plains-plateau/229590.html#about.  The Native American Tribes of Idaho—the Coeur d’Alene, Kootenai, Nez Perce, Shoshone-Bannock and Shoshone-Paiute—are a profound part of Idaho’s history, strength and future.  Learning more about and celebrating this history can broaden our understanding of the role the Tribes have in forming Idaho’s heritage.

There are many opportunities to learn more about the history of the Native American Tribes of Idaho by visiting tribal museums and the Tribes’ websites (cdatribe-nsn.gov, kootenai.org, nezperce.org, sbtribes.com and shopaitribes.org/spt/).  For example, historic photos and artifacts of the Shoshone-Bannock Tribes can be viewed at the Shoshone-Bannock Tribal Museum of Fort Hall.  In addition to viewing historic objects there are many places to visit in Idaho with significant cultural importance.  The National Park Service website contains information about 38 historic locations in the Nez Perce National Historical Park and maintains a virtual museum of more than 200 items providing a “glimpse into the rich culture and history of the Nez Perce.”  These are just a few examples of the many locations and projects across Idaho honoring tribal heritage. 

I again co-sponsored a resolution, which the Senate unanimously passed, to celebrate the heritages and cultures of Native Americans and the contributions of Native Americans to the United States.  As a longtime supporter of this effort, I am proud to support this resolution that would recognize “National Native American Heritage Month” and “Native American Heritage Day,” as it includes the following acknowledgements of the contributions of Native Americans to the history of the United States:

• Native Americans maintain vibrant cultures and traditions and hold a deeply rooted sense of community;

• Native Americans have moving stories of tragedy, triumph and perseverance that need to be shared with future generations;

• Native Americans have made distinct and important contributions to the United States and the world in many fields, including agriculture, environmental stewardship, wayfinding, medicine, music, dance, language and art;

• Contemporary applications of traditional knowledge systems of Native Americans have expanded scientific, environmental and intercultural understanding;

• Native Americans have distinguished themselves as inventors, entrepreneurs, spiritual leaders and scholars;

• Native Americans have served with honor and distinction in the Armed Forces of the United States for centuries and have the highest per capita involvement of any population currently serving in the Armed Forces of the United States.

In addition to honoring the remarkable achievements of Native Americans and their ancestors, the resolution emphasizes Congress’s reaffirmation of tribal self-governance and the government-to-government relationship between the United States and Native American governments.

Thousands of Native Americans lived in the territory that would eventually become Idaho.  We owe much of our heritage to those who came before us.  The Native American Tribes of Idaho have helped shape our state and national history, and their perspectives help guide advancements.  Joining in celebrating the heritages and cultures of Native Americans and the contributions of Native Americans to the United States is an honor as we look to the future of our great state and nation. 

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