Allen Pinkham Sr.

The Nez Perce Tribe will formally close all government offices on Tuesday, April 22, 2025, in recognition of the passing of former Chairman Allen Pinkham Sr., a respected tribal leader, cultural historian, and veteran of the United States Marine Corps. He served from 1981-1990, spanning nearly a decade in service to our people.
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Chairman Pinkham’s leadership spanned generations. He was a respected elder, author, educator, and lifelong rancher who dedicated his life to the Nimiipuu people. He served as Chairman of the Nez Perce Tribal Executive Committee with distinction and humility, always guided by a deep sense of responsibility to the land, the people, and the memory of those who came before him.
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He descended from the Red Bear and Alpowa (Chief Timothy) Bands and was the great-great-grandnephew of Chief Joseph. That lineage was not symbolic, it was lived. Through every role he held, from tribal governance to national boards and museum trusteeships, Chairman Pinkham upheld the values of service, sovereignty, and cultural stewardship.
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As a historian and gifted orator, Chairman Pinkham dedicated himself to preserving and sharing the oral histories, ecological knowledge, and traditional teachings of the Nez Perce. His co-authored work, Salmon and His People, continues to serve as a landmark contribution to Indigenous scholarship and environmental advocacy.
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He carried the voice of the Nimiipuu to a global audience, from the Smithsonian Institution to forums in Canada, France, and Japan, yet remained firmly rooted in the land that raised him. His reach was broad, but his focus never wavered.
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The Nez Perce Tribe expresses its deepest sympathy to the Pinkham family and all who mourn this profound loss. Chairman Pinkham’s legacy will continue to guide us, not only in ceremony and story, but in the work, we carry forward every day.
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As a mark of respect, the Tribe will pause its operations for one day. In doing so, we honor the life of a leader whose contributions will resonate for generations.
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Regular business hours will resume on Wednesday, April 23, 2025