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THE SOCKEYE WERE SO PLENTIFUL

at Lake Wallowa that the fish would tickle the women’s feet as they were trying to collect them. — Rod Wheeler, Nez Perce

Wallowa Lake in the year 1874

For thousands of years, the wal’wá•ma took care of the land given to them by the Creator, hanyaw’á•t, and in return the land gave them everything they needed to survive and grow strong. This spiritual relationship is governed by tamá•lwit, the natural law that teaches tribal people how to live on the land. Today, treaty rights protect Nez Perce people’s ability to maintain this relationship through food gathering, hunting, and fishing.

 

According to tamá•lwit, everything in the world—animals, trees, boulders—possesses a consciousness. This BUFFALO HEADDRESS WITH ERMINE TRAILERS is an example of Nez Perce reverence for animals in ceremony and regalia. Because an animal died in order to offer its body to the people, careful craftsmanship and decoration honors the sacrifices of the animal.

Contact Information:
Office phone: 541.886.3101
Office email: info@wallowanezperce.org
Mailing address: P.O. Box 15, Wallowa, OR 97885

The Homeland:
70956 Whiskey Creek Rd., Wallowa, OR 97885
Open to the public dawn to dusk, seven days a week (except during special events)

The Visitor Center:
209 E Second St., Wallowa, OR 97885
Open May 6-September 29, 2024
Hours of Operation:
10:00am-2:00pm, Monday-Thursday, or Fridays by appointment. Closed Saturday and Sunday. Call or email the office to make an appointment.