Nez Perce Tribe Celebrates Land Return in Joseph Oregon
Joseph, OR – On Wednesday, June 26, 2024, members of the Nez Perce Tribal Executive Committee (NPTEC) with Dolores and David Bridges, gathered in Enterprise, Oregon to commemorate the transfer of the Bridges’ 17-acre property in Joseph, Oregon. The Bridges, wishing to conserve the land as wildlife habitat, decided to donate the entire property to the Nez Perce Tribe, while retaining a life estate in the property.
“We have a deep appreciation for the partnerships we have developed in this area. Being able to share our story and connection to the land, and learning how collaboration can benefit all parties involved- we are preserving pristine landscapes for today and the future,” NPTEC Chairman, Shannon Wheeler shared. “Through processes like this, not only are we preserving the land, but we are also taking steps to heal our people and right historical injustices.”
To commemorate this significant event, a Land Return Celebration luncheon and ceremony were held on the Bridges’ property. The celebration featured an Appaloosa horse ride by the M-Y Appaloosa Horse Club, songs provided by the Good Life drum, and speeches from multiple attendees including Tribal elders Rosa Yearout and Allen Pinkham Sr., NPTEC leaders, and representatives from the Wallowa Land Trust.
Attendees were moved by the heartfelt connection of the Nimiipuu, and many remarked that the owners’ expressions of emotion were among their favorite moments of the celebration. David Bridges shared his feelings, “I am very pleased with how deeply the Tribe feels about this. I felt overwhelmed knowing we did the right thing; it couldn’t possibly be better, and I’m very happy about that.” Dolores Bridges added, “Seeing the horses come down over the hill, the coming home ceremony, and the speakers and what they had to say were meaningful. We thought we would be in the background and that it would be more for the Nez Perce Tribe, but the number of people that were thanking us was overwhelming.”
The Wallowa Land Trust collaborated with the Bridges family and the Nez Perce Tribe to secure over 17 acres of land, overlooking Wallowa Lake. This collaboration among all parties, ensures the land’s preservation for future generations.
The Wallowa’s are ancestral homelands of the Nimiipuu, who were once forced off the lands. Today, the Tribe continues to make several advances in returning home through purchase and gifting of parcels of land in the area.
“It was a memorable day; one that our ancestors were smiling upon. Thank you to the Bridges and the Wallowa Land Trust for the opportunity to partner on a project that will have lasting significance to the Tribe and the benefit of reserved serene views of this beautiful place,” concluded Chairman Wheeler.