Nez Perce Tribe Holds Ceremonies Honoring Fallen Nimiipuu at Canyon Creek and Bear Paw Battle Sites in Montana

The Canyon Creek Battlefield Memorial Ceremony was held on Friday, October 4, 2024, at the historic marker north of Laurel, MT, where tribal and non-tribal members gathered to honor the memory of the Nez Perce (Nimiipuu) lives lost and/or wounded at the Battle of Canyon Creek on September 13, 1877. Nez Perce elder Wilfred Scott, also known as “Grandpa Scotty” shared his knowledge and history of why these battles are important to remember. Wilfred Scott expressed, “I always have to recognize and honor these people.” Nez Perce Tribal Executive (NPTEC) Chaplain Mary Jane Miles provided an opening address, followed by traditional ceremonies and reflections shared by attendees.

The Battle of Canyon Creek was one of the final conflicts during the Nez Perce’s flight through Montana. By this time, the Nimiipuu had traveled hundreds of miles over several months, pursued relentlessly by Unites States (U.S.) forces. This encounter occurred under Colonel Samuel D. Sturgis.

As the ceremonies took place, the distant sound of gunshots from recreationalists sighting their rifles echoed across the battlefield, creating a sense of a spiritual reflection—a reminder of the deep historical significance of the ground on which the gathering stood.

The Bear’s Paw Battlefield Memorial Ceremony was held the morning of October 5, 2024, at the historic battlefield site Cayanim a’likaspa, south of Chinook, MT.

The Battle of Bears Paw marked the final engagement of the Nez Perce Flight of 1877, a 1,170-mile journey over four states as the Nez Perce fled the U.S. Army in search of refuge. After three months of battles and evasion, the Nez Perce were just 40 miles from the Canadian border when Colonel Nelson Miles’ forces intercepted them. After a five-day battle and siege, Chief Joseph surrendered, delivering the words, “Tell General Howard I know his heart. What he told me before, I have in my heart. I am tired of fighting. Our Chiefs are killed. Looking Glass is dead. Too-hul-hul-sote is dead. The old men are all dead. It is the young men who say yes or no. He who leads the young men is dead. It is cold and we have no blankets. The little children are freezing to death. My people, some of them have run away to the hills and have no blankets, no food; no one knows where they are, perhaps freezing to death. I want time to look for my children and see how many I can find. Maybe I shall find them among the dead. Hear me my chiefs, I am tired; my heart is sick and sad. From where the sun now stands, I will fight no more forever.”

The cold winds gave the audience a taste of what life would have been like for the Nimiipuu on their fleeting escape. Tribal members were able to share their connection to the past and how it has impacted their lives today. Though this was the final battle, it was not the end of the fight. Even today, there are still rights the Nez Perce are fighting for and will continue to defend for generations to come. The words of Chief Joseph, while interpreted to surrender, were strategically crafted to ensure the survival of the Nimiipuu.

All views, thoughts, and opinions expressed by the author are solely that of the author and do not reflect the views, opinions, policies, or position of the Nez Perce Tribe or its Communications Department.

Visit the photo galleries here: Canyon Creek Bear Paw

Angela Jackson
Angela Jackson
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