Nez Perce Tribal Executive Committee conducts Governmental Meeting on Traditional Homelands

Press Release date: June 12, 2026.

Lapwai, ID – The Nez Perce Tribal Executive Committee (NPTEC) will hold a special meeting on June 23, 2026, at 9:00 a.m. on the Nez Perce Tribe’s Am’sáaxpa, Place of Boulders, property in Joseph, Oregon. The meeting is the result of an administrative action adopted by the NPTEC on June 11, 2024 that authorized a series of special meetings to be held at various locations of Nez Perce Tribal governmental operations. Local dignitaries, community leaders, and partner organizations have been invited to join Tribal leaders.

“The Nez Perce has a rich and extensive history and connection with this area that is in the heart of our traditional homeland and integral to treaty rights reserved by the Tribe in 1855,” stated Chairman Samuel N. Penney. “ The health and vitality of the area is of great importance and why we have invested in governmental offices here and prioritized communication and collaboration with state and local governments through these types of meetings,” he concluded.

“Bringing our Qoc’wiya (Council) to our western homeland is an act of revitalizing the reach of our sovereignty,” said Vice-Chairman Ashton Picard, who sponsored the action to meet in Wallowa. “Standing together at Am’sáaxpa, we renew our duty to protect every corner of these homelands for every generation that will follow.”

The meeting was held on the Amsaaxpa property, with participants gathering on the patio of the historic house. Attendees included representatives from the Nez Perce Tribe, Nez Perce Tribal Enterprises, the Nez Perce Tribal Housing Authority, and Nimiipuu Health. Also in attendance were Nez Perce tribal members and key stakeholders from the city of Joseph, Oregon.

Discussions focused on strengthening relationships and identifying ways to be better neighbors while recognizing that the Nimiipuu people have long been, and continue to be, stewards of this homeland. The conversation emphasized shared respect, collaboration, and a commitment to caring for the land for future generations.

Attendees from the Wallowa Land Trust

Left to Right: Chaplain Shannon F. Wheeler, Member Jesse Leighton, Assistant Secretary/Treasurer Marsan Lawyer, Member Alexis Walker, Chairman Samuel N. Penney, Secretary Shirley J. Allman, Treasurer Ryan Oatman, and Member Aaron Gould

Although Chief Joseph was never able to return permanently to his homeland, we remain committed to ensuring that future generations can continue to return to the places that have sustained the Nimiipuu since time immemorial.

This is our homeland. We have a responsibility to care for it and to protect the lands, waters, and all living beings—the winged ones, the water animals, and every part of creation—so they can continue to thrive in our usual and accustomed places. Regardless of changing boundaries or differing claims, our connection to this homeland endures.