Chief Joseph

Chief Joseph (the younger) was born in 1840 and is known for his dedication to his people. His name is Hin-mah-too-yah-lat-kekt, which translates into “Thunder Rolling Down the Mountain”, an extremely powerful name with great influence. After being baptized by a local missionary, he was given the name of “Joseph”. Young Chief Joseph was the son of Chief Joseph (the older), who had and kept extremely good standings between the Nez Perce and the white settlers. The Chief also was in good standings with Lewis and Clark. After Old Chief Joseph’s death in 1871, the government began pushing Chief Joseph (the younger) to sell the land within the Wallowa Valley. He was committed to not selling it, remembering his father’s death wish “This Country holds your father and mothers body. Never sell the bones of your father and your mother.” This remarkable chief tried exceedingly hard to try and keep some sort of peace between his people and the white settlers; however after a white man attack on his people, Chief Joseph knew something had to change. He refused to forfeit to the United States Government and live on a reservation. In 1877 Chief Joseph, in accordance with other clan leaders Chief Looking Glass, and Chief White Bird began their flight to freedom in Canada. Many battles were fought along the 1400 mile track, and 40 miles from the Canadian border, Chief Joseph gave his surrender speech. Chief Joseph never gave up on his people, and ensured that he did whatever possible to do what was best for them; even fleeing 1400 miles to lead them to freedom. Chief Joseph past away in 1904.