Our Story

Since 1989, the Nez Perce Wallowa Homeland has worked to honor, celebrate, and carry on the people and practices native to wal’áwa (Wallowa), our shared home.

It is time once again to let the land hear the familiar sounds that have been developed over thousands of years here in the land of winding waters — the rhythm of the drum beat, the songs, the language, the prayers, the people, and all creation joined to co-exist and respect mother earth and this law of the land. Our elders, whose bones remain in this beautiful land, would be proud that everyone here has a genuine concern to maintain the Nee-Me-Poo (We The People, Nez Perce) culture. It has fallen upon the shoulders of this generation to capture the history and, through cultural understanding, respect this land that we live in. We all came together at this historical location to extend our concerns for a better world by maintaining for future generations the knowledge that made this land a wonderful place to live. Whatever we accomplish in these developmental years will be appreciated by many peoples across the nation and around the world. Thank you for your attendance, support, and kindness.”

— Taz E. E. Conner, Tamkaliks Celebration founder, 1994

Nez Perce Wallowa Homeland began as a grassroots effort led by Nez Perce descendant Taz Conner and local Wallowa County residents who shared a vision of restoring access to the ancestral homeland of the nimiipuu (Nez Perce people). In 1989, this grou

Nez Perce Wallowa Homeland began as a grassroots effort led by Nez Perce descendant Taz Conner and local Wallowa County residents who shared a vision of restoring access to the ancestral homeland of the nimiipuu (Nez Perce people). In 1989, this group joined with additional Native and non-Native allies to host the first Tamkaliks Celebration—a homecoming powwow that offered the first large-scale, public welcome of Nez Perce people back to wal’áwa. That event became an annual tradition and laid the foundation for a permanent organization.

In 1996, the nonprofit was formally established as the Wallowa Band Nez Perce Trail Interpretive Center, Inc. and a visitor center was opened in downtown Wallowa to share cultural exhibits with the public. Shortly after, NPWH acquired land to create

In 1996, the nonprofit was formally established as the Wallowa Band Nez Perce Trail Interpretive Center, Inc. and a visitor center was opened in downtown Wallowa to share cultural exhibits with the public. Shortly after, NPWH acquired land to create a permanent place for cultural reconnection. Today, the organization stewards a 323-acre site that includes a longhouse, dance arbor, visitor center, guesthouse, campground, trails, lodging, and other gathering spaces.

The land is open to the public and prioritized for Native use — not as a separate or restricted space, but as a shared space of healing, leadership, and cultural restoration. NPWH welcomes Indigenous people from all tribal affiliations, especially Ne

The land is open to the public and prioritized for Native use — not as a separate or restricted space, but as a shared space of healing, leadership, and cultural restoration. NPWH welcomes Indigenous people from all tribal affiliations, especially Nez Perce descendants from the Colville, Umatilla, and Nez Perce reservations. At the same time, it actively builds relationships with local residents, organizations, and visitors, creating space for cross-cultural connection grounded in land, history, and responsibility.

Over time, NPWH has expanded its cultural programming to include seasonal youth camps for Native children, intergenerational language and cultural education, and a meat camp that teaches traditional food preparation and hide tanning. These programs a

Over time, NPWH has expanded its cultural programming to include seasonal youth camps for Native children, intergenerational language and cultural education, and a meat camp that teaches traditional food preparation and hide tanning. These programs are rooted in Indigenous knowledge, and in some cases are paired with modern land stewardship practices through partnerships with conservation and restoration groups. On the property, NPWH has carried out habitat restoration projects—most notably reconnecting a side channel to support the return of salmon, lamprey, and other native species to Wallowa’s waters and lands.

Building on our “Always” goal, NPWH works in collaboration with many local partners to plan for the next 100 years—ensuring that this land continues to be a place of Indigenous presence, cultural renewal, ecological stewardship, and shared belonging

Building on our “Always” goal, NPWH works in collaboration with many local partners to plan for the next 100 years—ensuring that this land continues to be a place of Indigenous presence, cultural renewal, ecological stewardship, and shared belonging into the future.

Homecoming

For thirty-six years and counting, building a place of homecoming has been the central goal of the Nez Perce Wal’áwa Homeland. Volunteers, supporters, staff and professionals have shown up and worked hard, for decades. In doing so, we have not only built an amazing place with unparalleled amenities, but we have shaped an organization founded on tenets of trust, sharing and responsibility.

It has not always been easy, but caretaking the grounds together has effectively strengthened our bonds of kinship and stewardship. We see history being made in the present. We lift each other up to ensure the future we are inspiring is a vibrant, safe and happy one. This dynamic and flexible organization is well-equipped today to grow our impact. We are stepping into the next ten years not only as a place to gather, but as a hub for people to connect with each other and the entirety of the Wallowa country.