Nez Perce tribe

[nycgal]

We're doing a unit in US History class on Native Americans, focusing on their history, discrimination against them by the government, and their self-determination (as a result of the Civil Rights Movement).

My group was assigned the Nez Perce tribe, which I'm excited about because of Kaya! [img]smile.gif[/img] I've never read Kaya's stories, so I'm not that familiar with the Nez Perce tribe...but I can't wait to learn more. The aspect I've been assigned to is "history"; specifically, Chief Joseph and Walla Walla Valley.

So I was wondering, are there any tidbits or pieces of information you've come across about the Nez Perce, through American Girl or other places, that maybe wouldn't be found in history books or websites? Or anything you'd like to share. [img]smile.gif[/img] We're also creating a powerpoint presentation, so I'll be searching for images...I might even use some Kaya illustrations, like maps, etc.

I love how AG really does relate to history class. [img]wink.gif[/img] When the Samantha movie came out we were studying factory labor, and I was reading Josefina's stories when we studied the Mexican-American war. Needless to say, history's always been my favorite subject. [img]graemlins/thumbs_up.gif[/img]

<font color="#051E50" size="1">[ January 11, 2005 05:56 PM: Message edited by: AG*dancer* ]</font>

[dornroeschen]

That's an exciting project. So far I've only read the Meet Kaya story.

My niece showed her friend the AG catalogue when both were staying over night before Christmas, she told her friend part of Kaya's story when they looked at her. I think what had left the biggest impression on my niece from the story was, that all Nez Perce children of the tribe would get punished when one of them misbehaved.

I'd love to hear/read/see your presentation once you did it.

[adriana82]

Me too, Gabby! I would love to see your presentation. I'm sure you will find info and pics if you search the web. I too would love to learn more so maybe I will do a search too.

My suggestion... read "Welcome to Kaya's World" There's TONS of history and info, and true stories on real people in it, not to mention hundreds of pictures. I have the book, I could probably scan some pictures for you, but I would definitely recommend starting there. [img]wink.gif[/img]

Good Luck!!! [img]graemlins/thumbs_up.gif[/img]

[QNPoohBear]

Gabby, my grandparents have been to the Nez Perce Reservation and I have an article on Chief Joseph and the Nez Perce. PM me with your address, if your parents OK it and I'll mail you the article! I scanned a few of the pictures they took and put them in a web page. Feel free to use them for your project.
http://www.geocities.com/aupoohbear/nezperce.html

I also recommend Welcome to Kaya's World which has a wealth of information and of course reading Kaya's books. Maybe she needs to make an appearence at your school?

<font color="#051E50" size="1">[ January 11, 2005 08:27 PM: Message edited by: QNPoohBear ]</font>

[Sakurako]

The end of the Nez Perces' independence as a non-reservation tribe in the 1870's is heart breaking but well documented in the movie, "I Will Fight No More Forever". I know it's on video. There is also an amazing book that was hand-drawn by one of the warriors who fought with Chief Joseph, who was the leader who tried to lead the non-reservation part of the tribe to Canada to escape the US soldiers. I can look up the title for you if you'd like it. Our library has a copy.

The other interesting phase of the Nez Perce interaction with American history is that the Nez Perce saved Lewis & Clark's expedition from starving in the winter. The story I read said that when the L&C expedition straggled into the Nez Perce camp, the chiefs met in council to decide what to do with these strangers. They had voted to kill them and keep all the trade goods for themselves when a very old Nez Perce woman came forward and spoke on behalf of the whites. She had been a captive of an opposing tribe, then rescued by Christian missionaries and she said she owed her life to them. So instead of killing them, the Nez Perce befriended Lewis and Clark and their men, gave them food, took care of their horses while they continued their explorations. Only 70 years later, the U.S. nearly slaughtered their entire tribe.

[Sakurako]

http://www.nezperce.org/

That's the address for the home page of the official Nez Perce website. I think that's where I read part of the Lewis and Clark diaries. I would imagine there's also information on Chief Joseph there. Why not go straight to the source and ask the tribe themselves?

[dornroeschen]

Cherry, thanks for the link, it's really interesting to read about their history etc.

[lieu2]

I have Kaya's story collection at home. I bought it at Costco for $16. I have to say I have not finished reading it. I read her Meet book that came with the doll but never took the time to read her collection. I did not enjoy the flow of her meet book as much as some of the other AG books. Right now, personal time is at a premium. So I would rather read 100 other books besides Kaya's books. But I will get around to reading it one day.

[Sakurako]

Thinking about it this morning, the book of drawings done by the Nez Perce warrior is mentioned in Kaya's World book.

[QNPoohBear]

in Sarah S's imagestation album she has pictures of her Kaya in her real live environment "Kaya's World" come to life!

I really enjoyed Kaya's stories. I learned a lot and I loved how Janet Shaw incorporated the Niimipu language and culture into the stories. I specifically likes how Kaya's grandmother tells stories. I think Kirsten's books could have benefited from something similar with Swedish language and culture.