Nez Perce Tribe Commemorates the Battle of White Bird

WHITEBIRD, Idaho — Each year, the Nez Perce Tribe observes June 17 as a tribal holiday to commemorate the Battle of White Bird, honoring the courage, resilience, and sacrifice of the Nimiipuu people during one of the most significant events in Tribal history.

The Battle of White Bird, fought on June 17, 1877, marked the opening engagement of the Nez Perce War. What began as escalating tensions between the United States government and the Nimiipuu people culminated in a battle that demonstrated the skill, determination, and unity of Nimiipuu warriors defending their homeland.

Among those remembered are the renowned “Three Red Coats”—Wahlitits, Sarpsis Ilppilp, and Strong Eagle (Tipyahlahna Kapskaps). The three warriors were recognized for wearing full-length coats made from red wool blankets that had belonged to Chief Yellow Bull. Their bravery and ability to fight together in the midst of intense combat became legendary among the Nimiipuu people.

Warrior Two Moons later recalled witnessing the charge:

“I saw Sarpsis Ilppilp, Wahlitits, & Tipyahlahna Kapskaps, all three wearing full length red blanket coats… Those three warriors came through that wild charge… untouched by the hail of enemy bullets… Shooting from horseback, these three noted warriors drove the soldiers back… After this battle these three men were known as the ‘Three Red Coats.'”

Two Moons also remembered that although the fighting was fierce, no Nimiipuu warriors were killed during the Battle of White Bird, with only two receiving minor wounds. His account, recorded by L.V. McWhorter in Hear Me, My Chiefs (p. 247), remains one of the most detailed firsthand recollections of the battle.

Today, the Battle of White Bird is remembered not only as a military victory but as a testament to the strength, courage, and enduring spirit of the Nimiipuu people. The annual observance serves as an opportunity to reflect on the sacrifices made by the ancestors who defended their homeland and to honor the generations who continue to carry those teachings forward.

As Tribal members gathered at the White Bird Battlefield Memorial, they paid tribute to those who fought with unwavering determination to protect their families, culture, and way of life. The memorial stands as a place of remembrance, reflection, and education, ensuring that the stories of the Nimiipuu warriors continue to be shared with future generations.

The Nez Perce Tribe remains committed to preserving and sharing its history so that the legacy of the ancestors—and their connection to the homeland—will never be forgotten.

A big thank you to the Nez Perce Appaloosa Horse Club for participating each year. Riders this year featured, Left to Right, Taya Yearout, Rhoni Jo Taylor, Emmit Taylor Jr., Faith Sobotta, and Angel Sobotta. Thank you to John & Rosa Yearout and Abe Yearout.