Annotated Video Bibliography

Nez Perce: Portrait of a People

This video presents an ever-changing picture of a people who have lived in harmony with the land for many thousands of years. It depicts the history of the Nez Perce people, beginning with oral tradition and continuing through the present. It covers such major historical events as their 1805 meeting with the Lewis & Clark expeditions, the arrival of Christians and missionaries, invasion of their homeland by white settlers, discovery of gold on the reservation, the unwanted war of 1877, and enforcement of the reservation system on their traditional way of life.

A dynamic people, steeped in legend and oral tradition, the Nez Perce have been a driving force in the plateau region of the Pacific Northwest for many generations. With the coming of the reservation system, an attempt was made to incorporate the Nez Perce into mainstream society. Cultural beliefs were abandoned, oral tradition died with the passing of generations, and history was being forgotten. Although many changes have taken place, the Nez Perce culture is alive today, and they continue to add new pages to their history.

This documentary traces the history of the Nez Perce people from the first peaceful interactions with the Lewis & Clark expedition, through the tribe's partial conversion to Christianity and resulting spiritual schism, to the 1860 Gold Rush and the eventual takeover of more than 90 percent of Nez Perce land by whites.

This film was produced in 1980 for the National Park Service by Phil Lucas, a Native American with extensive experience in filmmaking. It compliments cultural artifacts on exhibit at the Nez Perce Historical Park Visitor Center at Spalding, Idaho. Distributed by Harper's Ferry Historical Association. Running time: 23 minutes.

Sacred Journeys of the Nez Perce

Published by Idaho Public Broadcasting. The Nez Perce War of 1877 forever changed the lives of the Nez Perce people. In Sacred Journey of the Nez Perce, we learn of their struggle for survival and their determination to maintain their culture.

Tribal members from throughout the Northwest describe the history of their people.

The program is narrated by CBS news anchor Hattie Kauffman, a Nez Perce tribal member. This video uses oral history story-telling and features both contemporary Nez Perce perspectives and translated remembrances of chiefs who participated in the war, including Joseph, White Bird, and Toolhoolzote. Historical footage, reenactments, and location footage trace the journey.

To order:
Idaho Public Television
1455 N. Orchard, Boise, Idaho 83706
or call (800)543-6868

Running time: 60 minutes.

Landscape of History-The Nez Perce (Nee-Me-Poo) National Historic Trail

This video captures the essence of the Nez Perce (Nee-Me-Poo) National Historic Trail as it traverses a landscape of history.

For thousands of years the Nez Perce (or Nee-Me-Poo, as they call themselves) followed this trail across the mountains to visit friends and relatives on the plains, to trade with others, and to hunt buffalo.

Through photographs and maps, the story of the 1877 Nez Perce flight across this ancient trail comes to life. Included in this video is a brief history of the Nez Perce, the events of 1877, and their status today. Narrators Henry Strozier and Nez Perce tribal member Otis Halfmoon tell the story. Produced by Gene Colling

For more information or to obtain a copy contact:
Nez Perce National Historic Trail - Northern Region
12730 Highway 12
Orofino, ID 83544
(208)476-8334
Running time: 28 minutes

"The Trail" Lewis & Clark Expedition 1803-1806

Lewis & Clark were in charge of leading a total of 33 people, including a woman, her infant son, a black slave, half-breed interpreters, U.S. soldiers, and nine frontiersmen from St. Louis to the Pacific Ocean and back. Using a keel boat, flat boats, canoes, horses, and their own foot power, the "Corps of Discovery" helped open the West.

This film authentically retraces that epic journey of 1803-1806 by carefully following their letters, field notes, and journals. Filmed on actual sites of Monticello, Popular Forest, Fincastle, Harper's Ferry, Elizabeth, Clarksville, Camp Dubois, St. Charles, La Charrette, Fort Mandan, Upper Missouri, Marias River, Pompey's Pillar, Camp Disappointment, Great Falls, Gates of the Rockies, Three Forks, Camp Fortunate, Lemhi Pass, the Lolo Trail, Weippe Prairie, Snake River, Palouse Falls, Hat Rock, Columbia Girge, Fort Clatsop, the Saltworks, Ecola Creek, and much more.

The video features artwork by Charles M. Russell, John Clymer, and Bob Scriver.

Filmed and narrated by Robin D. Williams, producer of Paul's Journeys - According to Scripture. Phone (714)494-3307 or FAX (714)494-2459.

"We Proceeded On…" The Expedition of Lewis & Clark, 1804-1806

One of the most significant and dramatic explorations in American history, the journey of Lewis & Clark stands as a true epic in documented exploration of the West. From 1804 to 1806, Meriwhether Lewis and William Clark led the Corps of Discovery on an 8,000-mile journey into the unknown. Starting at the confluence of the Missouri and Mississippi Rivers, they traveled by foot, boat, and horseback all the way to the Pacific Ocean and back.

This is the story of that exploration, complete with diary excerpts, encounters with Indians, the sometimes beautiful and sometimes threatening landscape, and a summary of their objectives and accomplishments.

KAW Valley Films & Video
6532 Switzer, Box 3900, Shawnee, Kansas 66203
(800)332-5060 or (913)631-3040.

Echoes of a Bitter Crossing - Lewis & Clark in Idaho

Travel with a modern-day group of explorers to the most difficult part of the Lewis & Clark Trail 200 years after the duo's fabled journey through Idaho's Bitteroot Mountains, which nearly defeated the Expedition. Produced by Idaho Public Television.

To order: Idaho Public Television,
1455 N. Orchard, Boise, Idaho 83706
or call (800)543-6868
Running time: 60 minutes

Lewis & Clark - The Journey of the Corps of Discovery

A film by Ken Burns

Sent by President Thomas Jefferson to find the fabled Northwest Passage, Meriwhether Lewis and William Clark led the most courageous and important expedition in U.S. history. This extraordinary film chronicles the story not only of the two captains, but also of the two young army men, French-Canadian boatmen, Clark's African-American slave, and the Shoshone woman who was a key lifesaving member of the group.

4 hours on two videocassettes.
To order call PBS at (800)645-4727

Nez Perce National Historical Park Collection:

The 18 videos listed below can be viewed at the Nez Perce National Historical Park at Spalding, Idaho. Please phone Robert Applegate at (208)843-2261 x142 or email robert_applegate@nps.gov for an appointment to view any of these videos.

Nez Perce Mythology
Beatrice Miles relates tales told to her as a child, tales that depict greed, other worlds, killing, sadness, and moral values. She discusses the use of legends by missionaries and how legends should be told. She makes a comparison of other tribes' uses of animals, and she discusses Coyote's qualities. This film was made in 1975.

Nez Perce Language Dictionary
This video, made in 1975, discusses nuances of the Nez Perce language and comparison with other language dictionaries.

I Will Fight No More Forever
This reenactment portrays the plight of the Nez Perce in their 1700-mile retreat in 1877. The National Education Association recommends this film, which was made in 1990.

Nez Perce Names and Their Origin
Reverend Miles discusses the giving of names, both male and female, and relates the names of seasons, the months, and stars. This video was produced in 1975.

Traditional Nez Perce Culture
This video, made in 1975, discusses ornamentation, style, and design in Nez Perce material culture, including garments, saddles, and ceremonial items.

The Flight of the Nez Perce
This pilot program is part of a series called, "How the West Was Lost." It includes history and background preceding and including the events of the Nez Perce War of 1877. Historian Robert M. Utley provides background, with commentary from Nez Perce speakers including Horace Axtell, Allen Pinkham, Kevin Peters, Allen Slickpoo, Mari Watters, and others. Included are historic photos, paintings, and current video images of Nez Perce lands. This video was originally a television broadcast, which aired on October 8, 1991.

Early Nez Perce Trails
This video examines trails in the Selway and Lochsa areas, with a map of the Nez Perce country. It was produced at Washington State University at Pullman, Washington, in 1975.

Nez Perce Legends
This video, a two-part series produced in 1975, highlights Nez Perce legends told in native language by Elizabeth P. Wilson, covering coyote, fox, Celilo Falls, and others. In part one, Angus and Isaac Wilson translate and discuss legends, and part two includes Angus Wilson's discussion of the origin of legends, their place in native culture, and storytelling techniques.

Forest Service and National Park Service
2001. Interpreting the Lolo Trail Across the Bitterroots: For the Lewis and Clark Bicentennial Observance, Recommendations for U.S. Highway 12 and the Lolo Motorway, Clearwater National Forest and Nez Perce National Historical Park, July 2001

Forest Service and DOI agencies
1994. Nez Perce (Nee-Me-Poo) National Historic Trail, USDA Forest Service, National Park Service, Bureau of Land Management, U.S. Government Printing Office 1994-592-423

White Bird Battlefield Commemoration
This 1993 video comprises introductions and talks by Nez Perce tribal members and employees of the National Park Service. Tribal Chairman Samuel Penney, Nez Perce elders, and other tribal members tell of their pride and sorrow regarding the events and memorial of White Bird.

Nez Perce Trail: Missouri to Bear's Paw
This 1991 video was produced from a slide show narrated by Andy Anderson; it discusses Nez Perce trail ways and includes stories of his personal experience.

Appaloosa Horses and the Nez Perce People
Hattie Kaufman reports from Lapwai, Idaho, for a "Good Morning, America" feature presentation. She tells how the Nez Perce people "lost" their horses and how the Appaloosas are coming back to the reservation. Originally broadcast in 1991, the video includes aspects of Nez Perce life.

Reception at Bear's Paw Battleground
This 1993 video of the reception at Bear's Paw Battleground includes Nez Perce Tribal Chairman Samuel Penney, and Charles Hayes, who performed the opening prayer. The Nez Perce Nation Drum performance of the honor song is included, along with opening comments by Antone Minthorn and an Allen Slickpoo translation of the Nez Perce language. Julia Davis makes presentations to park officials.

How the West was Lost
This three-part series produced in 1993 documents the struggle for the American West, and comprises recollections of the Navajo, Nez Perce, Apache, Cheyenne, Lakota, and Northern Cheyenne tribes. It includes historical documents and archival photographs. The Nez Perce Tribe is featured in the second story of Volume One and features Horace Axtell, Wilford Halfmoon, Alvin Josephy, Sandi McFarland, Kevin Peters, Allen Pinkham, and Herman Reuben.

Nez Perce in Canada
George Kush, Canadian researcher, relates history of the Nez Perce who fled into Canada after the battle at Bear Paw in 1877. The lecture is followed by audience questions and comments. Art C. Hathaway and Otis Halfmoon handle introductions on this video, which was made in 1995.

Red Heart Band Memorial at Fort Vancouver, Washington
1Otis Halfmoon recounts the history of the Red Heart Band and the Nez Perce campaign of 1877. The video includes introductions, talks, and ceremony by the Lapwai VFW, Nez Perce tribal members, and the mayor of Vancouver. The video was recorded by National Park Service personnel in 1998.

Nez Perce Captives in Oklahoma: Presented by Larry O'Neal
Retired history teacher Larry O'Neal presents 20 years of research on the relocation of the Nez Perce to the Oklahoma Indian Territory and Kansas. The 1999 video includes information on Fort Leavenworth, Washington, Sherman, Ottawa County, Oklahoma, and transfer by train to Baxter County, Kansas. O'Neal discusses living conditions in each encampment on the reservation, the Modoc tribe of California, the movement of the tribe until returned to their homeland, and religious teachings among the captives. The end of the video includes a brief question and answer period.

Nez Perce War Memorial Video
In this 1995 video, Otis Halfmoon, a ranger with the National Park Service, discusses the Battle of the Bear Paw. The program is about the site, old stories about the site, the tribe, language and sign language, Nez Perce names, Wetxuiis, Lewis and Clark, Henry Harmon Spalding, O.O. Howard, and pipe ceremony locations. It includes a guided tour of the Bear Paw site by Otis Halfmoon, and shows the Chief Joseph Memorial Pow-wow with Horace Axtell at Bear Paw.

Nez Perce National Historic Park Big Hole Battlefield Event Commemoration
This 1996 video describes the battle of 1877, warfare against women and children, and the futility of the war. It shows Nez Perce burial sites along with stories about the battle and reenactments. Included is a discussion of the centennial of the battle, along with the soldiers' camp and re-enactors. There is also a description of the battle of Bear Paw.