Chief Joseph
Chief Joseph
Chief Joseph was born on March 3, 1840 in Wallowa Valley, Oregon. His native name is Hinmatóowyalahtq’it. Joseph was the cheif of the Wal-lam-wat-kain (Wallowa) natives. The Wallowas is a band of Nez Perce located in the Wallowa Valley in northeastern Oregon.
Chief Joseph had two wives named Heyoan Yoyikt and Springtime. He had few children. His daughter was named Jean-Louise. His father's name was Tuekakas and his mother's name was Khapkhapohimi. Chief Joseph had two brothers named Sousouquee (elder brother) and Ollokut (younger brother). He also had four sisters. When Joseph's father lay dying he said these words to his son. "My son, my body is returning to my mother earth, and my spirit is going very soon to see the Great Spirit Chief. When I am gone, think of your country. You are the chief of these people. They look to you to guide them. Always remember that your father never sold his country. You must stop your ears whenever you are asked to sign a treaty selling your home. A few years more and white men will be around you. They have their eyes on this land. My son, never forget my dying words. This country holds your father's body. Never sell the bones of your father and mother." Chief Joseph later described his response as, "I clasped my father's hand and promised to do as he asked. A man who would not defend his father's grave is worse than a wild beast". Chief Joseph followed the message of his father's words throughout his life. He never sold any of his home land.
Chief Joseph was a very peaceful chief. One of his famous quotes is "I will fight no more forever". Joseph wanted there to be peace between everyone.
The government forced Chief Joseph and his tribe out of their homeland. They were forced to move northeast onto a significantly reduced reservation in Lapwai, Idaho Territory. Many events in which culminated in episodes of violence led those Nez Perce who refused removal including Chief Joseph's band and an allied band of the Palouse tribe to take flight attempted to reach political asylum, ultimately with the Sioux chief Sitting Bull in Canada. The natives were pursued by the United States Army in a campaign led by General Oliver O. Howard. This was a 1170 mile (1900 km) fighting retreat by the Nez Perce in the year 1877 became known as the Nez Perce War. Because of this war and the newspaper on it, Chief Joseph became known as a humanitarian and a peacemaker. Chief Joseph went and plead for his people to be able to return to their homeland. It was impossible to persuade the government to follow his desires. After a while some people could go back, however Chief Joseph's family could not. They were taken to the Colville Indian Reservation far from the rest of his people. In 1873, Chief Joseph made a deal with the Federal Government to ensure his people could stay in the Wallowa Valley. Unfortunately, in 1877 the government reversed its policy and the Army general, Oliver Howard, threatened to attack if the Wallowa band did not move to the Idaho Reservation with the other Nez Perce. Chief Joseph agreed to move.
Chief Joseph died on September 21, 1904 at age 64. According to his doctor, Joseph died of a broken heart. He was still in exile from his homeland when he died. Joseph was buried in Nespelem, Washington. This is the place where many of his tribe members still live.
Chief Joseph had two wives named Heyoan Yoyikt and Springtime. He had few children. His daughter was named Jean-Louise. His father's name was Tuekakas and his mother's name was Khapkhapohimi. Chief Joseph had two brothers named Sousouquee (elder brother) and Ollokut (younger brother). He also had four sisters. When Joseph's father lay dying he said these words to his son. "My son, my body is returning to my mother earth, and my spirit is going very soon to see the Great Spirit Chief. When I am gone, think of your country. You are the chief of these people. They look to you to guide them. Always remember that your father never sold his country. You must stop your ears whenever you are asked to sign a treaty selling your home. A few years more and white men will be around you. They have their eyes on this land. My son, never forget my dying words. This country holds your father's body. Never sell the bones of your father and mother." Chief Joseph later described his response as, "I clasped my father's hand and promised to do as he asked. A man who would not defend his father's grave is worse than a wild beast". Chief Joseph followed the message of his father's words throughout his life. He never sold any of his home land.
Chief Joseph was a very peaceful chief. One of his famous quotes is "I will fight no more forever". Joseph wanted there to be peace between everyone.
The government forced Chief Joseph and his tribe out of their homeland. They were forced to move northeast onto a significantly reduced reservation in Lapwai, Idaho Territory. Many events in which culminated in episodes of violence led those Nez Perce who refused removal including Chief Joseph's band and an allied band of the Palouse tribe to take flight attempted to reach political asylum, ultimately with the Sioux chief Sitting Bull in Canada. The natives were pursued by the United States Army in a campaign led by General Oliver O. Howard. This was a 1170 mile (1900 km) fighting retreat by the Nez Perce in the year 1877 became known as the Nez Perce War. Because of this war and the newspaper on it, Chief Joseph became known as a humanitarian and a peacemaker. Chief Joseph went and plead for his people to be able to return to their homeland. It was impossible to persuade the government to follow his desires. After a while some people could go back, however Chief Joseph's family could not. They were taken to the Colville Indian Reservation far from the rest of his people. In 1873, Chief Joseph made a deal with the Federal Government to ensure his people could stay in the Wallowa Valley. Unfortunately, in 1877 the government reversed its policy and the Army general, Oliver Howard, threatened to attack if the Wallowa band did not move to the Idaho Reservation with the other Nez Perce. Chief Joseph agreed to move.
Chief Joseph died on September 21, 1904 at age 64. According to his doctor, Joseph died of a broken heart. He was still in exile from his homeland when he died. Joseph was buried in Nespelem, Washington. This is the place where many of his tribe members still live.
E. H. Willowcreek Middle School
Last Revised on March 28, 2013
Last Revised on March 28, 2013