Honoring Idaho’s Native American heritage

A pair of exquisitely beaded moccasins said to belong to Nez Perce chief Peo Peo T’olikt are in the collection of the National Museum of the American Indian.

In addition to a photograph of Chief Peo Peo T’olikt, the museum contains a brief description of his life by Allen Pinkham Sr., tribal elder and former chairman of the Executive Committee of the Nez Perce Tribe, beginning “Peo Peo T’olikt” was a grandson of Ni Mii Puu leader Xa xac ilpilp (Red Grizzly Bear), who met the explorers Lewis and Clark in 1805 and 1806 and gave them advised …” and can be read at https://bit.ly/4fWPILU. The Native American tribes of Idaho – Coeur d’Alene, Kootenai, Nez Perce, Shoshone-Bannock and Shoshone-Paiute – are an important part of Idaho’s history, strength and future. As we learn more about and celebrate this history, we can expand our understanding of the role of tribes in shaping Idaho’s heritage.

There are many ways to learn more about the history of Idaho’s Native American tribes by visiting tribal museums and tribal websites (cdatribe-nsn.gov, kootenai.org, nezperce.org, sbtribes.com and shopaitribes.org/spt) . /). Historical photos and artifacts of the Shoshone-Bannock tribes can be viewed, for example, at the Shoshone-Bannock Tribal Museum in Fort Hall. In addition to viewing historical properties, there are also many places with significant cultural significance to visit in Idaho. The National Park Service website contains information about 38 historic sites in the Nez Perce National Historical Park and maintains a virtual museum with more than 200 objects that provide a “glimpse into the rich culture and history of the Nez Perce.” These are just a few examples of the many places and projects throughout Idaho that honor tribal heritage.

I once again co-sponsored a resolution that the Senate passed unanimously to honor Native American heritage and culture and the contributions of Native Americans to the United States. As a long-time supporter of these efforts, I am proud to support this resolution recognizing National Native American Heritage Month and Native American Heritage Day as it includes the following recognition of the contributions of Native Americans to U.S. history United States:

• Native Americans maintain vibrant cultures and traditions and have a deep-rooted sense of community;

• Native Americans have moving stories of tragedy, triumph and perseverance that must be shared with future generations;

• Native Americans have made significant and important contributions to the United States and the world in many areas, including agriculture, conservation, wayfinding, medicine, music, dance, language, and the arts;

• Contemporary applications of traditional Native American knowledge systems have expanded scientific, ecological, and cross-cultural understanding;

• Native Americans excelled as inventors, entrepreneurs, spiritual leaders, and scholars;

• Native Americans have served with honor and distinction in the Armed Forces of the United States for centuries and have the highest participation per capita of any population group currently serving in the Armed Forces of the United States.

The resolution not only recognizes the remarkable achievements of Native Americans and their ancestors, but also emphasizes Congress’s affirmation of tribal self-government and government-to-government relations between the United States and Native American governments.

Thousands of Native Americans lived in the area that would later become Idaho. We owe much of our heritage to those who came before us. The Native American tribes of Idaho have shaped the history of our state and our country, and their perspectives guide progress. It is an honor to join together in celebrating Native American heritage and culture and the contributions of Native Americans to the United States as we look to the future of our great state and nation.

Mike Crapo represents the state of Idaho in the US Senate. He can be reached at crapo.senate.gov.