The core values of the Nez Perce Tribe are a reflection of what is most (2024)

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GENERAL COUNCIL

SEMIANNUAL REPORT

~ FALL 2024 ~

CORE VALUES

The core values of the Nez Perce Tribe are a reflection of what is most

important to us as a people. These values guide decision making,

providing a permanent foundation for the mission of the Tribe:

1. Sovereignty: The Nez Perce Tribe has an inherent right to self-government.

The Tribe will exercise its authority to protect the rights and advance the

priorities of the Tribe.

2. Culture: Our traditional practices, beliefs, customs, and language are a

source of strength, healing, and identity. Our culture connects us to our

ancestors and future generations.

3. Balance: We believe in an interconnectedness of people, nature, and the

spiritual world. We strive for harmony, wellbeing, healing, and growth.

4. Community: As a tribal people, we know we are stronger as a collective,

when we are united. Trust, collaboration, and reciprocity bind us together.

5. Integrity: Elected leaders, tribal employees, and tribal members strive to

be responsible, ethical, and honest in all our actions.

6. Resilience: We draw strength from our ancestors. We honor their courage

and sacrifice by striving for communal healing, balance, and self-sufficiency.

7. Sustainability: We seek to protect and honor both Mother Earth and all

creation. When Mother Earth and our relations are healthy, we are healthy.

8. Reclamation: Our homelands have a sacred significance to us. We will

acquire, restore, and protect our original homelands and its many resources

for future generations.

SEMIANNUAL REPORT

NEZ PERCED TRIBE GOVERNMENT

FALL

2024

TABLE OF

CONTENTS

Core Values

Executive Director Welcome

NPT Government Management Team

Executive Director‘s Office

Human Resources

Department of Technology

Fisheries

Natural Resources

Education

Social Services

WELCOME

Fellow Tribal Members – Welcome!

Some of you have traveled from far-off locales to be

with us for this meeting. We want to extend our sincere

thanks for taking the time and trouble to attend. We also

have many local tribal members who have shuffled their

schedules to make space for us. A gracious and hearty “Thank you!” to you

for prioritizing this semi-annual meeting. Whether you are attending for the

first or the fifteenth time, we treasure your trust and value your friendship.

Leadership is challenging yet rewarding for anyone who takes on the task.

Leadership in tribal government is complex, mainly due to the various fields

inherent to governmental structure. Fields such as natural resources,

fisheries, education, social services, technology, planning, and

transportation to name a few. Having a team you can depend on is a crucial

aspect of the role we have taken on. As Executive Director, I sincerely thank

our management team and all our staff for investing their energy and

creativity every day.

We look forward to working with you to further the Tribe’s goals and

objectives and create an atmosphere of prosperity for the entire

membership, in a positive and proactive environment. We realize there are

areas for growth and appreciate your constructive feedback and helpful

collaboration.

So glad you could be here. We wish you safe travels home each day.

Warmest regards,

Jesse Leighton

Executive Director

NT MANAGEME

TEAM

Jesse Leighton

Janet Poitra

Executive Director

Deputy Executive Director

Jackie McArthur

Melissa King

Social Services Manager

Technology Services Manager

Anthony Johnson

David Johnson

Human Resources Manager

Fisheries Resources Manager

Aaron Miles, Sr.

Natural Resources Manager

Joyce McFarland

Education Manager

EXECUTIVE DIRECTOR’S

OFFICE

Jesse Leighton, Executive Director

Janet Poitra, Deputy Executive Director

208.843.7324

The Executive Director’s Office manages the intergovernmental affairs of the Nez Perce

Tribe. This includes a major role in the protection and management of treaty resources,

providing and improving services in education, and delivering quality services to those in

need. The role of the Executive Director also includes providing a safe environment for

employees and the ability for employees to accomplish the goals set by the NPTEC.

Among many other routine tasks and special projects, this work also includes programs

such as:

Limited Liability Company (LLC) Certification. Title 12-1 of the Nez Perce Tribal Code

authorizes the organization of LLC companies through the Nez Perce Tribe.

Non-Profit Corporation Certification. Title 12-2 of the Nez Perce Tribal Code authorizes

the organization of non-profit corporations through the Nez Perce Tribe.

Avista Internship Program. Enrolled Nez Perce Tribal Members, 18 years and over,

enrolled full-time at an accredited college, university or vocational school who have

maintained a 2.0 cumulative GPA are eligible to apply for summer internships.

Snake River Basin Adjudication. Enrolled Nez Perce Tribal Members and Tribal programs

are eligible to apply for larger community projects in the areas of fish habitat protection

and restoration, agricultural development, cultural preservation, water resource

development, and community water and sewer projects annually. Applications will be

accepted beginning November 1, 2024, with a final deadline of December 4, 2024. Note:

This is a project-based program for community projects, which is separate from the

individual home water and sewer assistance.

Slammin’ Salmon Skins Employee Incentive Program. The goal is to promote and

encourage tribal employees to go above and beyond their regular job duties. Items in the

tribal store are also available for purchase. Appointments can be made by calling the

office.

Local Education Program Fund. 62 awards were shared by local school districts, nonprofits, private schools, colleges and tribal programs totaling $516,676. The next funding

cycle will open in March 2024.

EXECUTIVE DIRECTOR’S

OFFICE

School Supply Distribution. Each year, approximately 1,000 students receive school

supplies. 2024-2025 school year distributions were held beginning August 7th through

September 3rd serving children in grades pre-K through 12.

COVID-19. The Executive Director’s Office has been able to supply personal protective

supplies and sanitization supplies and services for employees, tribal meetings, and events

including memorials and funerals. Supplies continue to be available until stock on hand is

depleted.

Buildings and Conference Rooms. The Executive Director’s Office coordinates the use of

several tribal buildings and conference rooms, including the Boards & Commissions

Building, Methodist Hall, Pi-Nee-Waus Café, and the Veterans Conference Room.

Budget. The budget process is facilitated by the Treasurer and the Finance Manager since

the NPTEC moved Finance directly under the Treasurer’s oversight in May 2024. Our office

is providing information as requested for budgets within the Fisheries, Natural Resources,

Social Services, Education, and Technology Services departments as well as

administrative programs such as Maintenance, Housekeeping, Planning, Community

Centers, and other smaller programs.

Meetings. Several groups meet monthly including the entity executives, the governmental

management team, and the Land Acquisition Advisory Committee. Separate meetings are

held monthly to work with the management team specifically on grants and employee

recruitment. Other regular meetings include the NPTEC Subcommittees, ARPA Committee,

Strategic Planning Pillar Teams, SRBA Implementation Team, and the Emergency

Operations Committee.

Back to School

Registration in Kamiah

Team Building 2023

EXECUTIVE DIRECTOR’S

OFFICE

SRBA Individual Water and Sewer Assistance

Quincy Ellenwood, Coordinator

208.621.4771

The SRBA Individual Water and Sewer Septic Assistance Program is funded under the

Domestic Water Fund of the Snake River Basin Adjudication Allocation and governed by the

SRBA Settlement Allocation Policy NP 19-071 (November 2018). Since the inception of the

program, the purpose has remained to ensure Nez Perce Tribal members have access to

adequate domestic water, which is accomplished through the installation of water wells and

sewer septic systems, as well as updating household fixtures that support domestic water.

Individual requests for water and sewer systems are accepted year-round with awards

contingent upon individual need, funding availability and eligibility.

Nez Perce homeowners living within the service area—those living on the reservation or

within a sixty-mile radius from the reservation boundary—may receive assistance for the

installation/repair/replacement of water and sewer systems; repair or replacement of

household fixtures that support domestic water including hot water heater, shower/tub,

toilets, sinks; addressing urgent matters that are directly related to domestic water (i.e.,

plumbing, mold remediation, septic pump, etc.). Services provided are needs based with

priority applied to severe cases.

Day Labor Program

Dakota Zimmerman, Coordinator

208.621.3673

The Day Labor Program is a holistic approach to improving community welfare and morale

by meeting the needs of elders, tribal programs and those who have barriers to traditional

employment. Several of the contractors report how the program has significantly helped

improve their circumstances, many of which have gone on to gainful employment. Watching

contractors’ confidence grow as they demonstrate their work ethic and skillset is invaluable

and healing for all involved.

During the last 12 months, the Day Labor Program has dispatched contractors to 190

projects. A total of 155 of these were yardwork jobs for our tribal elders throughout the

Tribal Communities. These elders often require more than one visit to fulfill their yardwork

needs; sometimes these jobs take daily or weekly returns to complete. 35 of these projects

provided contractors with real world job experience while providing support services to

various departments within the Tribe. We have added 79 new or renewed day laborers with

active contracts in the various communities throughout the Reservation. Of those, 23 have

gone on to full time permanent or full time seasonal positions.

EXECUTIVE DIRECTOR’S

OFFICE

Economic Development

Ann McCormack, Planner

208.621.3710

Economic Development Planning Office Highlights

The 2023 fourth edition of the “Tribal Economic Contributions of the Five Tribes of Idaho on

the Economy of Idaho”, research and writing by Steven Peterson, was presented to

Legislators and tribal leaders in Boise on August 19 at the Indian Affairs Council and at the

Nation Building Conference on August 23.

The BIA Tourism Business Planning grant has been awarded for $49,408 to write the Tribe’s

tourism business plan.

The Nez Perce Tribe has been awarded $970,000 as part of the American Rescue Plan

through the US Department of the Treasury, State Small Business Credit Initiative for ten

years to provide services to businesses owned by socially and economically disadvantaged

individuals. The funds will be utilized by the Nimiipuu Community Development Fund to relend to the tribal community entrepreneurs and the Nez Perce Tribal government. The ATNIEDC will manage the funds for the Tribe, along with 25 other participating tribes, which

brings the total lending capacity of the management team to $22 million.

The T-HUB food sovereignty project report is due by the Spring of 2025 to determine the

feasibility of forming a food co-op for the Tribe and address the potential to trade food

goods with other tribes in the Northwest.

The Northwest and Rocky Mountain Regional Food Business Center project is to connect,

strengthen, and scale food supply chains in Washington, Idaho, Oregon, Montana, and

Colorado. The Idaho committee will focus on the five Tribes in Idaho. The USDA Regional

Food Business Centers have been established to drive economic opportunities across their

region, creating a more diversified and resilient food system.

A Minority Business Development grant was awarded, in the amount of $195,000 will

replace the Idaho Pilot Community Navigator grant to support small business development.

The new name of the program is “’ITAMN’AAWIT” (IT-AM-NOW-AT - Way of Trade). A USDARural Business Development Grant for $161,750 is in the review process. For more

information about the program and how it can help emerging small businesses thrive,

contact Stacia Morfin at staciam@nezperce.org.

EXECUTIVE DIRECTOR’S

OFFICE

A $195,000 three-year grant award to support the Office of Economic Development &

Community Planning was approved covering April 1, 2024 – March 31, 2027.

The NPT ‘ITAM’A’AWIT Small Business Program published the Small Business Directory

second edition, in hard copy and electronically. The 2023 directory contained 103 small

businesses/non-profits and the 2024 directory contains 130 businesses/non-profits. The

directory and a one-page report highlighting the accomplishments of the Community

Navigator program staff, Stacia Morfin, was launched at the second reception for the

entrepreneurs as part of the Nation Building event. The directory is available on the Tribal

website.

The Nation Building pitch contest was conducted by “ITAM’A’AWIT staff. There were over

$7,000 in prize money and 14 contestants. Thank you, Nimiipuu Community Development

Fund, as the Nation Building host.

Harry Slickpoo Jr. is the part-time Collections Specialist of the Hiteme’emwees (the place to

read and gain knowledge) library. Two grants totaling $117,600 have been accepted to

continue staffing the library. The library is temporarily housed at the Lapwai Boards and

Commissions building. Hours are from 2:00pm to 6:00pm Monday through Friday.

In August, Wisteqn’eemit awarded five Heidi Gudgell higher education scholarships of

$500.00 per semester. Another Wisteqn’eemit scholarship opportunity will be offered for

the next school year beginning on April 1, 2025. Visit www.thenezperceway.org to view the

application process.

Maintenance

Rich Ramsey, Director

208.843.7405

The mission of the Plant Maintenance Department is to provide efficient maintenance services

at the highest standard for all tribal facilities. It is our goal to deliver the Nez Perce Tribe with all

general maintenance, including carpentry, electrical, plumbing, HVAC, grounds keeping and

roads maintenance.

The goal of the Plant Maintenance Department is to provide general maintenance and

construction services for all departments of the Nez Perce Tribe. We intend to accomplish this

by utilizing all new methods and technologies available to create a safe and energy efficient

work environment. With the use of these methods, we plan to upgrade the appearance and

safety of all facilities used by the Nez Perce Tribe.

EXECUTIVE DIRECTOR’S

OFFICE

The Maintenance Department has completed the following projects from May 2024 to October

2024:

Complete Water Resources mold remediation and drywall replacement.

Complete U of I Extension Office roof replacement.

Install new HVAC unit at the Wa-A’Yas Community Center.

Install new HVAC unit in Human Resources.

Installation of exterior lighting in the Wa-A’Yas parking lot.

Completion of quarterly vehicle services.

Completion of quarterly HVAC unit inspections and filter changes.

Install a new HVAC unit at the Fisheries Production building.

Install HVAC system at J Herman Reuben building.

Install new appliances at the Methodist Dining Hall.

Continue to upgrade retrofit lighting to LED in multiple buildings.

Installation of new carpet in Pi-Nee-Waus gym entryways.

Completion of fire alarm inspections for Veterans building, Bio Control, and Phinney

building.

Maintenance Team Building 2024

EXECUTIVE DIRECTOR’S

OFFICE

Teweepuu Community Center

Alexis Coomer, Coordinator

208.843.7360

It is the purpose of the Teweepuu Community Center to provide service opportunities in the

areas of recreation, education, culture, health, and fitness to members of the tribal and nontribal community. The Teweepuu Center offers meeting space for Tribal Departments/

Boards/Commissions and community members to congregate safely. Supportive services

and resources are made available to community members.

April 2024:

NPTEC Primaries

Senior Birthday Lunch and Bingo

Community Potluck

Youth Movie

NPTHA BOC Meeting

July 2024:

Wallowa Youth Retreat (Social Services)

Senior Basket Weaving (Seniors)

Outdoor Movie Night

Dip Net Making (Harry Slickpoo)

NPTHA BOC Meeting

May 2024:

Senior Birthday Lunch

Tunnel Pond Fundraiser

General Council Voting

Senior Advisory Board Meeting

Senior Necklace Making (Seniors)

Drum Making (Harry Slickpoo)

August 2024:

School Supply Distribution (Kamiah)

Huckleberry Picking

Senior Birthday Lunch & Bingo

Outdoor Movie Night

Seniors Basket Weaving

Senior Advisory Board Meeting

Public Budget Meeting

Employee Open Enrollment Meetings

Indian Taco Feed for Orofino Community

(Donation only event Fundraiser for

Lumberjack days)

June 2024:

End of School Potluck

Senior Birthday Lunch & Bingo

Aquatic Center Trip (Youth)

Upcoming Events:

Lumberjack Days Parade

Halloween Party

Thanksgiving Dinner

Christmas Party

The community center accepts reservations for meetings, birthday parties, and other

private reservations. Local job postings, news, upcoming events, and applications are

made available to community members.

EXECUTIVE DIRECTOR’S

OFFICE

Transportation Program

Mary Beth Frank Clark, Director

208.621.3682

Aht’Wy Interchange Project: Construction activity began on May 15, 2023, and completion is

expected by the end of November 2024. Knife River is moving through the project per

Schedule. Chip seal was applied in late August. In September, the ramps and bridge will be

paved. By late September-early October, the graffiti paint will be applied to the walls. The

ribbon-cutting ceremony is planned for October 24, 2024, at 1:30 pm.

State Transportation Department Bridge Projects (Spalding and Arrow): At Spalding,

another bridge will provide 4 lanes with sufficient width for pedestrian/bike passage. The

current draft plan for Arrow is to place a new bridge slightly downriver and take out the old

bridge when completed. Also, to realign the intersection on the North side that provides

movement toward Kendrick. More information can be found on the State ITD website.

Communication with State/County/Highway Districts regarding inquiries on their

infrastructure improvement projects. Discuss the right-of-way process and/or assist in

moving through the Tribal process.

Reconstruction Projects: An RFP is being advertised for qualified engineers to submit bid for

three reconstruction projects. This will be the Planning & Engineering Phase. Once this

Phase is completed, funding will be sought to construct. Agency Road: Beginning at Pi-NeeWaus intersection to Parade Avenue reconstruction (includes wider sidewalks, lighting,

increasing road width and amenities). Nez Perce Drive: This road is within the Whitebird

Housing Complex. The project is the reconstruction of road surface, lighting, and possible

sidewalks. Pi-Nee-Waus Parking Lot: Currently, the parking lot is deteriorating underneath

the asphalt and needs to be reconstructed for safety. This will include revising the

circulation plus repairs to sidewalks and installing EV Charging Stations.

Road Maintenance Crew (3 FTE): has three full-time crew as of April 1, 2024. The small crew

continues to maintain a seasonal schedule that is modified to ensure minimal cost plus a

streamline work plan to maintain the annual budget of $50,000 for field work. The Road

Maintenance Crew utilizes the Day Labor program when needed; this program has really

been an asset to our road field work. The Crew continues to monitor the Kamiah and Orofino

Tribal routes; there has been work done at MP70, MP69 and Senior Site. This past six

months, Road Maintenance have been called away from their scheduled work to repair

roads where other Programs had a need to cut/dig down to their utilities.

EXECUTIVE DIRECTOR’S

OFFICE

NPT Appaloosa Express: Transit continues with recruitment for FT and on-call drivers for

Lapwai and Kamiah. AE continues to alter route schedules when needed to avoid long

layovers in the construction sites and fire hazards along routes.

Communications with Federal Transit Administration (FTA), Idaho Transportation

Department (ITD), and the National Transit Database (NTD) re: Annual NTD kickoff report for

2024. Completed ITD closeout, great review for NPT Transit. Continue to work with FTA on

new applications in the TrAMS system. Continue to meet with ITD and FTA for updates.

FTA Milestone progress reports submitted and followed up with Finance to ensure the FFR

are up to date. Continue communications with FTA reminders to ECHO users for reports,

PIN's and relay updates to FTA website or current events with FTA. Also completed and

submitted the certifications and assurances for FY24.

Mileage and Revenue numbers January- July 2024: Mileage= 128,001 Revenue= $4,063

HUMAN RESOURCES

DEPARTMENT

Anthony D. Johnson, Manager

208.843.7317 | teamhr@nezperce.org

The Human Resources (HR) provides personnel administration services for employees of the

Nez Perce Tribe. HR conducts new employee orientation each Monday before payday.

Orientation includes presentations on Nez Perce History and Culture, Human Resources

Manual, Employee Benefits, Financial Education (Nimiipuu Fund), Safety & Health Handbook,

Finance Manual, Vehicle Use & Maintenance Manual, and Internet & Email Policy.

HR continues to provide direction to managers and supervisors ensuring consistent

application of the tribal preference policy, through interview points verification and tribal

preference advocacy.

The Human Resources Office assisted in developing, reporting, and presenting the self-funded

health insurance initiative.

HR is seeking Tribal Member input on the amendment/revision of Tribal Preference in the Nez

Perce Tribe Human Resources Manual.

HR has administered the hiring of 40 employees since the Spring 2024 General Council; this

includes 29 entry-level (Grade 15 and below), and 11 professional (Grade 16 and up) positions.

HR has assisted programs in hiring 19 high school and college interns, including Horse

Program, Fisheries, Cultural Resources, and Office of Legal Counsel interns. Five Summer

apprentices were placed with the Education Department.

HR completed open enrollment for Health Benefits for FY 2025. There are 488 employees

enrolled in the Nez Perce Tribe Health Benefits plan.

Ms. Loretta Spaulding has completed the 2024-2025 insurance applications for our auto,

property, general liability, and workman’s compensation policies.

HR has provided three first aid/CPR classes since the last General Council.

HR has improved the administration of our Work History Request Log, completing 29 Work

History Reports.

HR has processed five FMLP applications, 17 401K loans, 11 401K in-service loans, four

401K withdrawals, eight workman’s compensation claims, three auto claims, and one

general liability claim.

HUMAN RESOURCES

DEPARTMENT

Nez Perce Tribal Government

Employee Statistical Report

As of August 30, 2024

Overall Employment:

Total Number of Employees:

Nez Perce Tribal Employees:

Other Tribe Employees:

non-preference Employees:

630

395

178

Positions Grade 16 and Above:

Total Number of Employees: 272

Nez Perce Tribal Employees: 141

Other Tribe Employees:

non-preference Employees:

117

Positions Grade 15 and Below:

Total Number of Employees: 358

Nez Perce Tribal Employees: 254

Other Tribe Employees:

non-preference Employees:

DEPARTMENT OF

TECHNOLOGY SERVICES

Melissa King, Manager

208.843.7307

DTS encompasses four programs: Information Systems, Telecommunications,

Nez Perce Network Systems, and KIYE.

Accomplishments:

Completed conduit installation for McCall Fisheries facility.

Law Enforcement jail networking equipment ordered, configured, and

installed.

Completed the Forestry Sweetwater Shop/Woodlot fiber, network lines,

network equipment, fiber, and connectivity.

Completed the Cybersecurity Innovative Readiness Training with the

Idaho National Guard.

Working on updating fiber at the Dworshak hatchery and adding them to

our internal network.

Completed Joseph Office network/internet upgrade. This proved to be a

100x speed increase from a shared 10 Mbit circuit to a shared 1 Gbit

circuit.

Zayo Internet cost-saving upgrade, installation, and cutover completed,

saving $158,800 per year.

Researched options and discontinued Lifesize Video Conferencing system

for substantial yearly cost savings.

New wireless access points and controllers for Government offices

planned, ordered, and received (installation/configuration in process).

Assist/consult with AT&T/FirstNet and Forestry/EOC for portable cell

towers for the Gwen Fire.

Completed Broadband Data Collection filing and requirements for 2024.

Awarded the Department of Homeland Security, Federal Emergency

Management Agency, Tribal Cybersecurity Grant Program funds to

implement a cybersecurity plan for $866,250.

Working on NTIA Digital Equity Competitive Grant for funds for $2.5

million.

Programmed and installed new backbone routers for seven

tower/locations.

Configured circuit for Hughes at BIA.

Installed backbone router at Sweetwater Fisheries Enforcement and

setup tunnel to route traffic as well as Kamiah Clinic.

Researched, purchased, configured, and installed 2.5 GHz point to point

from Bio Control Tower to Lapwai Library.

Completely deployed multifactor authentication on over 1200 devices.

Gwen Fire Tower

Methodist Church

Line Locate

Dworshak Hatchery

Fiber Run

DEPARTMENT OF

TECHNOLOGY SERVICES

Implemented and maintaining new surveillance systems in McCall and Joseph.

Maintain software and hardware across the board for Government employees as well as

timeclocks.

KIYE signed on two new gold underwriters and reviewing two new Radio Personality

proposals.

KIYE’s “The Conversation with Daniel” won Idaho’s Best Radio Show 2024. Be sure to tune

into KIYE Radio 88.7 or 105.5 or can view on the KIYE website.

KIYE staff presented “Honoring Heritage: The Power of Indigenous Radio” at the Native

Broadcast Summit.

Tribal PD

Control Room

McCall Fisheries

conduit Installation

Elder’s Day Pictures

Forestry Woodlot

Surveillance

KIYE (Tom and Daniel)

presenting at the

Native Broadcasting Summit

FISHERIES RESOURCES

MANAGEMENT

David B. Johnson, Manager

208.843.7320

Administration

Political efforts on Snake River salmon restoration: In December, this effort moved to

another phase as a stay in litigation was agreed to. We are spending more time working

collaboratively with the U.S. on trying to achieve healthy and harvestable populations of

salmon in the Columbia River Basin. The U.S., in collaboration with the States and Tribes

(“Six Sovereigns”), is going to start and finish the studies and analysis that need to occur

prior to a congressional decision on breaching the dams. Nobody is going to take any action

to consider breaching until that’s done.

As we know, the biggest man-caused impediment to returns to the Snake – especially for

spring chinook and steelhead, is the mortality that occurs as the fish move downstream past

the dams. If that doesn’t get solved, many runs will continue their decline to extinction.

Although the stay in litigation does not include a substantial change in funding for DFRM

projects, breaching the dams is the step that needs to be taken to truly make a difference in

populations in Nez Perce country and the Snake in general. In the end, we are betting on a

future congress – at the urging of the public – to make the decision that only it can, to

breach the dams.

As part of the stay, there is an established set of weekly meetings with the Six Sovereigns

and the U.S. working on the Columbia Basin Restoration Initiative, the Federal Commitments

to the Initiative, and the Presidential Memorandum on Healthy and Abundant Salmon

Populations. The commitments entail work with the tribes on energy replacement for the

Snake River Dams, further analysis of breaching and the impact of the dams on tribal

nations, a partnership in seeking federal appropriations for salmon restoration actions, a

slight increase in BPA-funded projects, an increase in BPA funding for infrastructure fixes on

Lower Snake Compensation Plan hatcheries, discussions regarding alternatives to the Fish

and Wildlife Program as administered by BPA and the Northwest Power and Conservation

Council, and some slightly better Columbia River Basin hydro operations.

How we, in DFRM, are going to be doing things in the interim is what we are working on right

now. We are restructuring some of the projects/contracts to do things more efficiently in

this interim period while we hold onto the stocks. At the same time, we will be seeking

additional funds to have greater tribal harvest on the fish that are available, focusing on fish

and fishing sites fueled by hatchery releases, and supplementation programs. Hatchery

infrastructure dollars have been boosted ($200M to LSRCP hatcheries and perhaps

additional through NOAA funding) to get some fixes done that have been needed.

FISHERIES RESOURCES

MANAGEMENT

Conservation Enforcement

A total of 47 cases were generated over this six-month time frame: 11 citizen assists, 9

trespass cases, 8 outside agency assists, 6 fishing cases, 4 animal complaints, 3 other cases,

2 wastage cases, 2 littering cases, 1 vandalism case, and 1 possible cougar sighting.

On May 17th, a Spring Chinook Gillnet Fishery for the Mainstem Clearwater River opened. 14

gillnet permits were issued for this fishery surpassing the 12 permits issued the year before.

No violations have occurred under this fishery.

Like last year, no fish were caught at Rapid River until after Memorial Day Weekend. Only a

couple of warnings were issued, with fishing compliance at around 98%. Rapid River,

Clearwater River, and Clear Creek were the best spots to harvest salmon.

There has been a perennial issue with litter and camping remnants left at fishing campsites.

NPTEC has expressed specific concern about this issue and asked that the fishers be

reminded to keep their campsites clean and garbage removed.

On June 17th, a commercial season for the Clearwater River Sub-basin, Rapid River/Little

Salmon River, and the South Fork Salmon River opened. Only fish caught in these listed

areas were allowed to be sold. Lookingglass Creek and the Lostine and Imnaha Rivers closed

early due to quotas being harvested. The Tribe’s Fish Buy Back program continued to be

successful this season. Tribal members were able to sell their fish to the Tribe with the fish

caught available for distribution to the tribal membership. This fishery continues be a

success based on its merits and overall numbers harvested by our tribal members.

Columbia River

Boat Patrol

Littering on

Webb Canal Road

FISHERIES RESOURCES

MANAGEMENT

Conservation enforcement is preparing for the local fall hunting season and the

upcoming Montana Buffalo Hunt. Officers are currently taking some downtime to be

ready for the upcoming hunts. Local patrols will ensure the safety and security of

tribal members hunting on and off the Reservation. Once the season for the start of

the Montana Buffalo Hunt is announced, officers will prepare for detailing once

permits are issued and animals are on the landscape. We will prepare to provide the

best coverage possible for our hunters while they exercise their Treaty Rights.

Harvest

General Snake River Basin (SRB) Salmon and Steelhead Harvest Management

Information:

SRB - 2024 Preliminary Review – Preliminary harvest estimates of SRB

spring/summer Chinook are 6,671 adult fish (6,578 clipped hatchery fish, 91

unclipped fish), and 628 jacks.

SRB 2024 Fall Season Fishery Preview - We expect 58,000 Steelhead, 24,945 Fall

Chinook ,and 12,363 Coho salmon to make it to Lower Granite Dam on the Snake

River this year. We are planning on targeting the harvestable number of hatchery

steelhead with an unclipped target of 1,800 fish, 3,274 fall Chinook, and 4,900 Coho

salmon.

SRB Fish Buy Initiative for 2024 Season - The purpose of the Fish Buy Initiative is to

increase the Tribe’s ability to catch more of the treaty harvest share of Fall Chinook,

Coho salmon, and Steelhead, to process and provide these fish to tribal members to

help meet their dietary needs, and to place fish carcasses in the rivers for nutrient

enhancement to improve watershed health.

For the 2024 SRB Fall Season, the Fish Buy Initiative plans on purchasing fish starting

in early September and continuing until mid-October depending upon fish quality

and available funding.

We need tribal members to participate in the

fall fishery in record numbers; take advantage

of the fish we produce in our hatcheries.

FISHERIES RESOURCES

MANAGEMENT

Production

Kelts: A groundbreaking ceremony was held on July 19, 2024, for the construction of a new

facility to recondition Snake River Steelhead kelts at Nez Perce Tribal Hatchery. Completion

is scheduled for the spring of 2026. The new facility will be capable of long-term

reconditioning of up to 750 Steelhead kelts. The project will run on a budget of just under $1

million annually and employ four full-time employees. The Kelt Project collects postspawned wild Steelhead at mainstem dams as the fish attempt to migrate downriver back to

the ocean. Because most of them don’t survive past the dams and back up again, the kelts

are transported to a temporary facility at Dworshak Hatchery to be fed and cared for until

they’re ‘reconditioned’ or ready to spawn again. The Kelt Project is focused on conserving

and restoring wild Snake River Steelhead populations.

Nez Perce Tribal Hatchery Fire: The Gwen Fire in the Clearwater Basin resulted in the

evacuation of the Nez Perce Tribal Hatchery staff for six days in August. We’d like to express

deep appreciation for the support provided to Fisheries by the Tribal Police Department and

Conservation Enforcement staff who were able to escort hatchery staff in for a few hours

each day to ensure that water was running and care for the fish during the evacuation.

Thankfully, no major structures were lost to the fire and, in large part because of the tribal

escorts, no fish were lost either.

Spring/Summer Chinook broodstock collection: Nez Perce Fisheries staff operate Nez Perce

Tribal Hatchery, Dworshak Hatchery, Kooskia Hatchery, and weir facilities on the Lostine

River and Johnson Creek (SF Salmon drainage) to collect adult Chinook for broodstock.

Trapping began at most of these locations in May. Enough adult salmon have been collected

to fill the hatchery production programs for 2024. Spring/Summer Chinook spawning began

at the hatchery facilities in August. The hatcheries are open for tours and visitors are

welcome – especially on spawn days which are typically Tuesdays. Contact the Production

Division office 208.843.7320 for more information.

Research

Fish Coordination and Leadership:

Organized weekly Snake Basin Coordination calls for all co-managers to direct, advise,

manage, and inform pre and in-season forecasting, run size updates and changes,

harvest management, broodstock collection, spawning, distributions, and outplants of

spring/summer Chinook and Steelhead.

Presented results at Idaho Chapter, Oregon Chapter, Western Division, and National

American Fisheries Society Meetings.

Met multiple times with Bonneville Power Administration focusing on improving the

currently imperiled salmon and steelhead runs through several new initiatives as well as

project funding changes, consolidations, and funding mechanism changes.

FISHERIES RESOURCES

MANAGEMENT

DFRM meetings with Professional NPT Research staff to reshape

Research Division’s objectives and focus on providing management

recommendations in support of NPT goals of obtaining healthy and

harvestable runs.

Participated in the leadership team to ensure adequate and appropriate

implementation of the 200M deferred maintenance budget

administered by the Lower Snake River Compensation Plan Office.

Natural steelhead

sample/release by Collin

Hendricks, Biologist

Fish Evaluations: Continued monitoring survival of hatchery and naturalorigin Chinook juvenile, Steelhead, and Coho from the Clearwater, Grand

Ronde, Imnaha, and Salmon River basins to Lower Granite Dam. Evaluations

help time fish releases to coincide with the best times to arrive at Lower

Granite Dam to try and maximize survival through the hydro system. Also

continued monitoring adult returns of Steelhead and Chinook using weirs,

PIT arrays, and spawning ground surveys in the Clearwater, Grand Ronde,

Imnaha, and Salmon River basins to provide science-based

recommendations to make informed decisions about the future of our fish.

Education/Outreach: Worked with local schools to provide fish biology

information, fish dissection, and demonstrate fish marking. Assisted with

releases of fall Chinook and Coho salmon juveniles that students raised,

marked, and will be tracking their survival down to the ocean and hopefully

back as adults.

Adult Lower Granite Dam Numbers: The total estimate of spring/summer

Chinook to cross Lower Granite Dam in 2024 was 56,772 and is higher

compared to a total of 53,572 spring/summer Chinook that returned in

2023. The total fall Chinook forecasted to return in 2024 is 24,946 (18,551

hatchery and 6,395 natural) compared to 2023 returns of 46,070 (38,173

hatchery and 7,516 natural). Steelhead forecast to cross Lower Granite in

2024 is 68,150 (49,050 hatchery and 19,100 natural).

Sockeye in Wallowa: Fisheries staff continue to evaluate strategies

for reintroducing Sockeye Salmon to Wallowa Lake, including an

assessment of Wallowa Lake’s food web and its ability to support a

reintroduction and working on replacement and retrofitting of the

Wallowa Lake Dam. We supported a Tribal Intern position to work on

the project to help grow tribal fisheries professionals for the future.

Lostine River Chinook

carcass colonized by

macroinvertibrates

DFRM Research Tent

FISHERIES RESOURCES

MANAGEMENT

Watershed

Summer Field Season Work: Watershed restoration projects actively being

completed in the South Fork (SF) Salmon River Watershed (road

decommissioning and road crossing fish passage), Little Salmon River

(beaver dam analog (BDA) construction and riparian planting), Lochsa River

(road crossing fish passage and BDA construction), Lolo Creek (meadow

restoration and large wood structure construction), Lapwai Creek (BDA

construction), Lostine River (river re-construction and floodplain

restoration), SF Clearwater River (meadow and riparian restoration), and

Tucannon River (BDA construction) drainages, in addition to stream

monitoring and evaluation and education/outreach activities.

Peter Ready culvert

during construction

Nez Perce Clearwater National Forest Plan Revision: Watershed is actively

working and made significant progress with the Forest staff on plan

standards and guidelines, strengthening them for the protection and

restoration of the aquatic ecosystem and fisheries habitat. Participated in

the formal objection meetings.

Palouse River Basin Adjudication: Working on interests regarding fish and

fish habitat.

Musselshell Creek

diversion that was

failing

Ted Strong and Don Anderson

taking measurements in

Lolo Creek

Photo immediately after

decommissioning

Peter Ready Creek Culvert

Musselshell Creek diversion

ditch before decommissioning

Beaver Dam

Construction in

Sill Creek

DEPARTMENTOF

NATURAL RESOURCES

Aaron Mile, Sr., Manager

208.843.7400

Administration

The Department of Natural Resources (DNR) is involved with climate change, costewardship, long-term stewardship, environmental justice, land acquisition, teaching Nez

Perce Language, enhancing natural, native habitat for terrestrial and aquatic species,

monitoring tribal forest conditions, working with tribal youth, and many other activities.

DNR Administration carries out several responsibilities for the Tribe. Much of the work deals

with budgets, expenditures, personnel policies and procedures, and project development.

DNR is working with the Nez Perce Clearwater National Forest on ongoing co-stewardship

projects under the Good Neighbor Authority (GNA) Master Agreement. The GNA Master

Agreement allows for the department to develop projects with the Forest for specific

resource goals and objectives. These projects are funded under the Master Agreement

called a Supplemental Project Agreement.

DNR Administration is working with staff to develop projects where the Tribe can harvest

firewood for the Senior’s Firewood Program while enhancing healthy, forest conditions

resilient to insects, disease, and wildfire. DNR worked through the Tribal Forest Protection

Act (TFPA) project to remove dead Douglas fir or Red fir trees from an area ravaged by

wildfire. DNR procures firewood for the program through logging contractors. While the

connections with logging contractors are one way to procure firewood, DNR would also like

to procure firewood by developing its projects for timber sales and thinning under the TFPA

and GNA authorities.

Cultural Resource Program (CRP)

Nakia Williamson, Program Director

208.843.7313

CRP Director attended Democratic Senatorial Campaign Committee reception in Seattle,

along with Eileen Stauss, to meet Senators Murray, Cantwell, Hirono and Schatz.

CRP Director traveling to Jena, Germany to Max Planck Institute of Geonanthropology along

with Loren Davis, Oregon State University, to hand deliver faunal (animal) samples from

nipehe/Cooper’s Ferry site for ZooMS testing and provide presentations at the Institute

regarding Nez Perce ancient connection with this archaeological site.

DEPARTMENTOF

NATURAL RESOURCES

Archaeology: The Archaeology Program has been working on a 1,000-acre archaeological

survey in the Race Cow area of Forest Service land between Hells Canyon and the Salmon

River Canyon under the Good Neighbor Authority (GNA) agreement. During the survey, the

CRP identified 15 new archaeological sites (12 of precontact Nez Perce origin and three

historical mining sites). They have additionally updated site inventories for six known

archaeological sites near springs adjacent to the project area. Sites identified during the

survey include temporary encampments, stone tool material sources, resource storage

features, and cairns. The CRP is advising the Forest Service on how to avoid disturbing these

sites during the proposed forest health projects.

The Archaeology Program and THPO, with support from the Nez Perce-Clearwater National

Forest, visited the Bear Creek site in the Selway-Bitterroot Wilderness in August 2024. While

the CRP was in the area, we also updated existing forms for 3 sites and recording 1 new site.

In total, the CRP recorded 11 previously unrecorded precontact house pits and several

historic period features.

Tribal Historic Preservation Office (THPO): The THPO has

reviewed 121 on-Reservation projects in 2024, 43 of these since

May 2024. These include 6 from the Army Corps of Engineers,

30 lease renewals for the BIA, 3 Idaho Transportation projects,

1 Idaho State Parks Project at Winchester Lake, 1 HUD-funded

project for the Orofino Water System, 1 Idaho Local Highway

Technical Council project, and 1 FEMA Emergency Repair for

SH64 near Kamiah. The THPO also reviewed approximately

600 projects outside the Reservation boundaries since May 2024.

Archaeology staff hiking to an

area for survey in the Race

Cow GNA project area

Ethnography: Through the GNA, the Ethnography Program is

working with agency partners to prioritize Nez Perce Traditional

Cultural Properties and Tribal input in the management of important properties. This

agreement funds two major Ethnography projects on the Lochsa River Corridor and

Musselshell Meadow. Fieldwork for these projects will begin in September 2024.

The ethnography crew continues to participate in the monthly FCRPS Wana Pa Koot Koot

working group focused on the Tribe’s sites and interest in the Lower Columbia River

between Bonneville Dam and the John Day Pools. The CRP continued traditional cultural

property (TCP) site monitoring and various Determinations of Eligibility (DOEs)for Nez Perce

TCPs on the Columbia River.

DEPARTMENTOF

NATURAL RESOURCES

Projects completed or advanced through reporting:

SWCA-Appaloosa Solar Project-Landscape Study

ITD- DRAFT of CRP study at Spalding and Arrow Junction

USACE- Historic Context Statement on Basalt Rock Formations

USACE- DOEs for two sites (Wildcat Canyon and Miller Island)

USACE- FY 23 TCP Monitoring on Columbia River

Upcoming projects:

USACE- DOE for Wawawai (in-progress)

USACE- Study into Columbia River Housing and NPT Oral History

USACE- FY 24 TCP Monitoring on the Columbia River

USACE- Project to determine treatments for Ahsahka Cemetery

Nez Perce Language Program: Nez Perce Language QR Reader app (with included dictionary)

is now available through the App Store and Google Play.

Coyote Phrasebuilder Card Gamer Levels 1-3 are now available through

Nativeteachings.com.

NPL classes take place daily in partnership with Lapwai School District, Kamiah School

District, University of Idaho, and Mamáy'asnim Hiteéenwees.

Hanford Cultural (HCR): HCR work is ongoing as staff performs monthly reviews and submits

comments on undertakings that require National Historic Preservation Act Section 106

compliance. HCR staff attends monthly meetings to address cultural needs.

Environmental Restoration & Waste Management

Anthony Smith, Director

208.843.7375

ERWM Hanford Cleanup: Staff continue to participate in all aspects of cleanup at the

Hanford Site including groundwater, surface water, air, and land to protect the reserved

treaty right of the Tribe to the extent possible.

Staff, in cooperation with the Tribe’s Office of Legal Counsel, are working at the local and

national levels to improve DOE’s government-to-government consultation policy to be more

protective of treaty rights and allow more decision-making authority.

Coordinate and collaborate with DOE, other agencies, stakeholders, and contractors on

groundwater/vadose zone issues while as supporting Hanford's work on vadose zone

characterization and source contaminant plumes.

DEPARTMENTOF

NATURAL RESOURCES

ERWM Natural Resource Damage Assessment Program: Participates as a trustee on the

Hanford Natural Resource Trustee Council along with the Umatilla Tribe, Yakama Nation, State

of Washington, State of Oregon, U.S. Fish & Wildlife Service, National Oceanic and

Atmospheric Administration, and the U.S. Department of Energy.

ERWM staff, in coordination with Fisheries staff, participate in the development of

assessment plans for aquatic and terrestrial areas. ERWM staff, in coordination with OLC, was

tasked with reviewing the Pakootas v. Teck case and developing policy recommendations.

Staff continues to conduct a three-year project titled Tribal Cultural Service Loss Restoration

Plan. This work will eventually result in a settlement of the United States Government's legal

liabilities for injury to natural resources and the services they provide due to the release of

hazardous and radiological contamination to the environment at the Hanford Site.

Air Quality Program: Staff monitor air quality, issue burn permits and air quality advisories,

and conduct air-related research and outreach. Contact us directly at 1.800.720.4089 or

airquality@nezperce.org. Follow us on Facebook and Instagram.

Air Quality staff maintained air monitoring sites at Lapwai, Kamiah, Nezperce, Orofino, and

Reubens. The public can view current air conditions at fire.airnow.gov. Also, monitored

atmospheric deposition and ozone at an EPA CASTNET/AMoN site near Woodland.

Permitted 22,840 acres of agricultural burns (of that 9,894 was bluegrass), approved 7

forestry burns, 13 large open burns, and issued 813 small burn permits through August 2024.

The 2024 Nez Perce Tribe Agricultural Burn Permit Registration Fee is $3/acre.

Distributed 325 portable HEPA-filter air cleaners to tribal families since June 2023.

Continued air monitoring partnership with the 9 public libraries on the Reservation. Libraries

have air sensors and display Air Quality Index flags to inform the public about air quality

conditions.

The Tribe was awarded a $37,346,490 General Grant and a $8,707,461 Tribal Grant under

EPA’s Climate Pollution Reduction Implementation Grant Program. The Air Quality Program

worked with the Water Resources Division Climate Change Coordinator, NPT staff, and other

partners on the preparation and submission of the two successful grant applications.

DEPARTMENTOF

NATURAL RESOURCES

Emergency Management: Planner is a member of the NPT Emergency Operations Center,

Tribal Emergency Response Planning Team, Transportation of Radioactive Materials Tribal

Committee, Hazardous Materials Management and Emergency Response Subcommittee,

Region District II Interoperability Governance Board, the Region 10 FEMA’s Steering

Committee, Northwest Tribal Emergency Management Council, Idaho Public Safety

Communication Committee, and Wireless Public Safety Interoperable Communications

Project Committee.

The planner administers grants to foster training, exercises, and emergency equipment to

help in emergency response. The actual event of wildland fires within the Reservation

boundaries occurred in July. Completion of an After Action Report after the Tribe completes a

hotwash (3 things good, 2 improvements).

Forestry & Fire Management Division

Howard Teasley, Director

208.843.7328

Gwen Fire and BAER Assessment: On July 25, 2024, a mid-summer electrical storm ignited

several fires within the northwest side of the Reservation on the Little Potlatch Creek and

combined with fire on the south side of the Clearwater River to become the Gwen Fire.

Approximately 65-mile-per-hour winds over an extended amount of time carried the fire and

burned 28,820 acres, of which 4,206 acres are Tribal lands, 675 acres are BLM lands, and the

rest are private lands.

On July 28, Rocky Mountain Incident Command Team Three transitioned with a local incident

management organization and took command of the Gwen Fire. The fire had been organized

into six divisions, A, C, F, Z, N, and R. Team Three continued with those divisions and added

three: Night, Structure, and IA groups. The existing organization had set us up with a strong

effort and good results around the fire. The fire experienced 0.2” of rain overnight on July 29.

We were able to take advantage of the opportunity to secure much of the perimeter and

interior of the fire and focus on the uncontained portions of the Pine Creek drainage with the

moderating weather, fire behavior, and the influx of resources. We spent the remaining shifts

mopping up and solidifying all areas around the fire. A total of 450+ personnel were on the fire

including ground, aerial and equipment support, and administration.

Team Three closed out on August 3. A Burned Area Emergency Rehabilitation Team (BAER)

was ordered to help the Tribe conduct a rapid assessment of post-fire changes to values at

risk and prescribe cost-effective post-fire stabilization measures necessary to protect human

life, property, and critical natural and cultural resources. The scope of BAER is to address

imminent (<1 year) threats caused by wildfire and address impacts to resources not likely to

recover naturally.

DEPARTMENTOF

NATURAL RESOURCES

A close-out briefing to share findings and recommendations with the Tribal Council, NPT

members, and the BIA BAER leadership occurred on August 19, with both an in-person and

virtual attendance option. This initial 2024 NPT BAER plan identifies a total of 12 funding

specifications, which include 8 specifications for Emergency Stabilization (ES) for $211,571

and 4 specifications for Burned Area Rehabilitation (BAR) for $549,745. A breakdown of the

specifications and costs of treatments can be found in Part D and E of the plan.

Perimeter Map of Gwen Fire

First Night of Gwen Fire on

Little Potlatch Creek

Day two of Gwen Fire

A stage of reforestation for Forestry & Fire has taken place this summer – Cone Collection.

Every 2-3 years, staff survey the Tribe’s cone population at all elevations and species to see

if is a viable year for collection. Concentrating on the ponderosa pinecones, Forestry & Fire

collected over 200 bushels of cones. A single cone could have 100+ viable seeds. This is

very physically demanding on our staff due to terrain, weather, and temperature.

DEPARTMENTOF

NATURAL RESOURCES

Land Services Division

Kim Cannon, Land Services Director

208.843.7392

Land Services is working with the NPTEC and BIA toward the renewal of agriculture leases that

expire at the end of 2024. There are 39 agriculture leases, with majority Tribal interest, that

are being advertised for lease. These lease offers will be reviewed by the NPTEC for

consideration of new leases. With the 2024 crop and grazing season ending, we will be

conducting fall field and pasture inspections. The division will continue to work with the Tribal

Police Department and Fisheries Enforcement for trespass issues. Contact any of these

offices if you suspect trespass or lease compliance issues are present.

The Land Acquisition Advisory Committee has reviewed many acquisition proposals. The

Tribe recently purchased a land parcel near Sweetwater that will provide needed facility

expansion for departments. This property will be used for facility expansion, office space, and

wildlife habitat. If you are using the Tribe’s mapping application on smart devices, the new

property will automatically show up. For maps and phone/smart device applications for

viewing Tribal properties, contact GIS.

Agriculture Program: The Tribe is partnering with the University of Idaho and Oregon State

University with their grants from the United States Department of Agriculture for Climate

Smart Commodities. Both universities have received funding to initiate programs to assist

area farm operators with implementing practices that increase carbon sequestration and

reduce greenhouse gas emissions. The applications are now available for farm operators to

apply for assistance with specific agriculture practices. The Land Services Division will aid in

coordinating these efforts on Tribal properties. To learn more, contact Betsy Spaulding,

agricultural coordinator.

Horse Program: The Horse Program maintains a few horses at Sweetwater over the Summer

for training and use at area rodeos and Tribal memorial activities. We welcome your

participation as riders in these events. Many of the animals have been out to pasture near

Reubens and will returned to winter pens in late October. The summer youth program

included 5 youth who assisted with training young horses and participated in events.

The Tribe is looking to sell some of the horses. If you would like to become a horse owner,

contact the Horse Program.

Geospatial Information Systems (GIS): The GIS program supports all Tribal entities with the

use of GIS software and training. The GIS program continues to assist with the Palouse River

Basin Adjudication team.Like the Snake River Basin Adjudication, the Tribe is reviewing the

water rights and spring locations within the Palouse River Basin. This included providing

mapping support and researching water rights claims within the adjudication area.

DEPARTMENTOF

NATURAL RESOURCES

The GIS program recently purchased a larger, four-prop helicopter-style drone. This machine

is capable of capturing land-based imagery for research. The information gathered will be

useful in many applications. Staff has also assisted natural resource divisions with obtaining

aerial drone footage. LIDAR imagery is useful to assess landscapes and vegetation for

resource management.

Bio-Control Center: The Biological Control successfully received funding from the USDAAnimal Plant Health Inspection Service. This funding provides for public outreach and

education on the importance of noxious weed control and the benefits of using insects to

control many of the noxious weed species in our area. These insects undergo a rigorous

research process to ensure they only attack the specific noxious weed and do not harm native

plants.

The Center is receiving a new biological control insect to combat Yellow Starthistle. There are

now several insects that attack the Yellow Starthistle plants in different areas (roots, stems,

flowers, and seeds). Invasive weeds such as Yellow Starthistle are responsible for the loss of

natural plant communities including plant species used for gathering. The Tribe’s dedication

to the fight against noxious weeds in the area is second to none in Indian Country. The Center

ships agents across the country and maintains a database of their release locations.

Water Resources Division

Director, Ken Clark

208.843.7368

The Surface Water Program is conducting a comprehensive

water quality monitoring effort this upcoming fiscal year in the

Jim Ford Creek Watershed, alongside a two-year toxin study

across the Clearwater River Watershed. Our primary focus areas

Sampling below

include monitoring for per- and poly-fluoroalkyl substances,

Dworshak Reservoir, 2024

Pharmaceutical and Personal Care Products, polybrominated

iphenyl ether products, and total and methyl mercury levels in Dworshak Reservoir.

The Nonpoint Source Pollution Program is working to restore riparian and wetland vegetation

while reducing nutrient and sediment runoff into waterways. Our efforts extend to tribal

properties in the Lapwai Creek watershed and the Bedrock Creek Wildlife Management Area, a

component of the Dworshak Wildlife Habitat Mitigation Project (Tekinkéecet Waq'iswíitoqt).

Additionally, we have initiated a five-year project, backed by a $2,000,000 grant from the

EPA Columbia River Basin Restoration Funding Assistance Program. This project prioritizes

the implementation of best management practices to curb pesticide contamination in

waterways on the Reservation. We are organizing pesticide drop-off events and intensifying

community outreach efforts to foster responsible pesticide use in local communities.

DEPARTMENTOF

NATURAL RESOURCES

The Groundwater Program welcomed a new Brownfields

Tribal Response Program Coordinator to its team. In mid-June,

the EPA, with assistance from the Environmental Specialist,

conducted inspections at seven underground storage tank (UST)

facilities across the Nez Perce Reservation. The inspections aimed

to assess compliance with federal UST regulations designed to

Habitat Mitigation Project

prevent leaks and protect groundwater from contamination.

(Tekinkéecet Waq'iswíitoqt)

All facilities were in full compliance, with no

violations or corrective actions required. A major milestone

was achieved with the completion of extensive assessments at the old Spalding Mill site,

culminating in the issuance of an Environmental Status Memorandum. This memorandum

confirmed the absence of contamination, opening the door for redevelopment

opportunities at the site.

Our Hazardous Emergency Response Team is pleased to report zero response calls so far

this year. Staff recently attended the PHMSA Hazardous Materials Emergency

Preparedness Conference, where they gained valuable insights into the latest strategies

for managing hazardous materials spills, improving emergency response coordination, and

enhancing community safety.

At the Blue North Mill site in Kamiah, ID, a Phase II ESA revealed impacts to soil, sediment,

and groundwater, including petroleum contamination in various areas. Additional soil and

groundwater sampling will be conducted to pinpoint contaminated areas, and an

additional investigation will be conducted to assess methane concentrations in the former

log pond. Additionally, Riverside Sports Shop in Orofino, ID, underwent a Phase II ESA,

identifying fuel release-related contamination. Staff is exploring cleanup alternatives,

including excavation and in-situ injection methods, to address the contamination

effectively and prepare the site for redevelopment.

The Water Rights Administration Program continues to monitor

streamflow and water temperatures in 14 Snake River Basin

Adjudication (SRBA) minimum flow streams. These data will be

analyzed to determine if these streams meet the designated

minimum flow water rights decreed during the SRBA.

Staff review water rights permit applications advertised by the

SRBA A & B List Streams

Idaho Department of Water Resources (IDWR) and protest or

comment on those water rights that threaten to infringe upon

the Tribe’s decreed water rights, degrade water quality, and reduce critical habitat for

Treaty-reserved aquatic resources. Since last fall, staff have protested several applications

within or just outside the 1863 Reservation.

DEPARTMENTOF

NATURAL RESOURCES

Staff continue to issue permits for Tribal water rights and are actively developing a

geospatial database to improve water management. In collaboration with IDWR and the

Idaho Department of Environmental Quality, they also monitor groundwater quality and

levels within the 1863 Reservation.

Additionally, staff continue to assist the Office of Legal Counsel and Department of

Fisheries Resources Management in advancing the Nez Perce Tribe’s claims in the

Palouse River Basin Adjudication and have completed protesting several water rights

applications proposed by Perpetua Resources for the Stibnite Gold Project.

The Wetlands Program has developed a protocol for monitoring camas in Musselshell

Meadows modeled after the National Park Service’s methods. Initial monitoring has been

conducted, and piezometers have been installed to track hydrological conditions.

Additionally, the program has created a wetland plant restoration guide, incorporating

functional values from the Wetland Ecosystem Service Protocol (WESP-NP), to assess

the functions and values of wetlands on the Reservation.

The program is contracting with the Idaho Transportation Department to delineate

Reservation wetlands and apply the WESP-NP tool in these areas. It is also working on a

functions-based accounting procedure and monitoring protocol for assessing wetland

restoration and mitigation success using the WESP-NP.

Ranch wetland permittee responsible mitigation project

DEPARTMENTOF

NATURAL RESOURCES

The program's Wetland Specialist plays a key leadership role in the Pacific Northwest

Tribal Wetlands Working Group, demonstrating the program's collaborative efforts and

influence in the Pacific Northwest. The Specialist regularly conducts workshops, meetings,

and training with tribes in the region.

Research into the role of beavers in wetland ecosystems is also underway, aiming to

improve understanding of how humans can coexist with these natural restoration

specialists. Moreover, the Wetlands Program continues its educational outreach through

the Interwet Program, collaborating with Lapwai High School and the Boys and Girls Club.

The Climate Change Program, in collaboration with the Air Quality Program and other

Tribal departments, successfully secured over $45 million in EPA Climate Pollution

Reduction Grant funding. This funding will support projects, including home

weatherization, wood stove replacement, expansion of solar power infrastructure, tree

planting for carbon sequestration, and the installation of electric vehicle charging

stations. The program aims to reduce greenhouse gas emissions, improve air quality, and

address environmental justice concerns.

Additionally, the Climate Change Program is gathering data to plan for the impacts of

climate change on traditional foods and to engage in landscape-level climate adaptation

planning.

The Utilities Program continues to manage the Nez Perce Tribe's water and wastewater

systems in Lapwai and Kamiah. Collaborating with local communities, governments, and

state agencies, the program addresses the Tribe's sanitation and environmental needs.

A major project, the North Lapwai Expansion (Domebo Flats Area), is underway, with

construction set to be completed this Fall. This project will connect North Lapwai

residents to the main sewer line, reducing nitrogen risks by eliminating the community

septic drain field. New water rates, effective January 2024, were introduced to cover

material and operational costs. The Lapwai Valley Wastewater Treatment Plant is

undergoing headworks construction, expected to finish by mid-to-late summer, while the

Indian Health Service is working on a second water well for Kamiah.

The Solid Waste and Recycling Program continues to haul tribal government solid waste

and provide biweekly free community recycling at the Páyniwaas Parking Lot from 11am1pm, with tribal government office collections on alternating Thursdays.

The program was awarded a three-year, $589,000 EPA Solid Waste Infrastructure for

Recycling grant, which will enhance capacity by purchasing new equipment, adding staff,

developing a new recycling stream, and updating the integrated solid waste management

plan.

DEPARTMENTOF

NATURAL RESOURCES

Wildlife Division

Eric Kash Kash, Director

208.843.2162

Conservation Planning and Project Review: The Wildlife Division conducts routine

reviews of major resource management projects (e.g. forest management, livestock

grazing, crop leases, etc.) proposed by other Tribal programs as well as the U.S. Bureau

of Indian Affairs, U.S. Forest Service, U.S. Bureau of Land Management, U.S. Fish &

Wildlife Service, Idaho Department of Fish & Game, and other federal and state agencies.

Proposals of recent attention and collaborative effort include the Nez Perce-Clearwater

National Forest’s plan revision, the Blue Mountain Forest plan revision, Wallowa Wittman

Forest projects in Lower Joseph Canyon and Morgan Nesbit management areas, the Nez

Perce Tribe’s Forest Management Plan, agricultural practices on Tribal land, and wolf

control actions by the State of Idaho. Staff have completed a draft Plant and Wildlife

Conservation Plan and draft list of wildlife and plant species of conservation concern for

review by Tribal resource managers and the NPTEC.

Condor Recovery: A new three-year planning grant from National Fish & Wildlife

Foundation focuses on strengthening the Tribally led Camas to Condors collaborative by

completing a range study, nesting territory surveys, release and feeding site selection,

and hosting stakeholder workshops. Eagle nesting, sensitive plant, and archeological

surveys were completed this spring and summer through the condor release project

area. The project will further explore ecological employment, education, and workforce

training for Tribal members and expand partnerships to create an adaptive management

plan and ecosystem resiliency strategy for Californian Condors with the Ananasocum

watershed (Joseph Canyon) and the Greater Hells Canyon Ecoregion.

Precious Lands and Dworshak Mitigation Programs: The Bedrock Fire of 2021 severely

impacted the Texséhe (Bedrock Creek) and Túkéespe (Cream Ridge) Wildlife

Conservation Areas, eliminating most overstory tree cover and resetting shrub growth

within Bedrock and Louse Creek Canyons. Tekinkéecet Waq'iswíitoqt (Dworshak Wildlife

Habitat Mitigation) Program staff began post-wildfire assessment work last September

and will continue to evaluate soil conditions, vegetation response, and the need for

active rehabilitation work. Staff are preparing to help restore old agricultural fields,

enhance riparian communities, and collaborate with other Tribal divisions and programs.

The Héte’wits Wétes (Precious Lands) project continues to steward the 16,286-acre

wildlife area in Northeast Oregon and adjacent Washington. The facilities crew logged

many hours maintaining fences and protecting the Buford Ranch buildings from the

winter snow and blazing summer heat. Monitoring data were compiled and analyzed

during the field season for project management.

DEPARTMENTOF

NATURAL RESOURCES

Wolf stewardship: Currently the Nez Perce Tribe has no active wolf program but is

revitalizing a wolf management proposal with the potential of being implemented into

the wolf management process for the future.

The Wildlife Division is in the beginning stages of engaging with the U.S. Fish & Wildlife

Service to participate in a National Wolf Dialogue to help bring conflict resolution for

wolf populations throughout the United States. The Tribe has been active in establishing

vital relationships to support Wolf Conservation in the Nez Perce Homeland. The Tribe

was included in the establishment of an Indigenous partnership movement with Colossal

Biosciences, a Texas-based de-extinction and conservation company, to form an

Indigenous Council to prioritize the conservation, de-extinction, rewilding, and

rematriation issues that matter to tribal communities.

Ungulate Species: Chronic Wasting Disease (CWD) was detected in Idaho County in game

management unit 14 in and around Slate Creek and a small portion of unit 18 which is

immediately adjacent to Slate Creek in the fall of 2021. The Wildlife Division continues to

monitor the situation and has provided policy with recommended “Best Management

Practices” to avoid transmitting CWD to deer, elk, and moose in non-detected areas.

Epizootic Hemorrhagic Disease (EHD) – In the summer/fall of 2021, much of the Tribal

homeland experienced a massive all-aged die-off (approximately 4,000 deer) due to an

EHD outbreak. The onset of winter weather often minimizes the adverse effects of this

disease. The Wildlife Division will continue to monitor local deer populations.

Hunting Stewardship Program: Representatives from the Wildlife Division participated

in a presentation panel in Washington D.C. on their Administration for Native Americans

(ANA) grant program “Strengthening Nimiipuu Stewardship Practices”. The Wildlife

Division was recognized as implementing a “unique program” that ties milestone

components to support cultural activities within tribal communities.

The Wildlife Division continues the implementation of milestone activities within the

grant language. These activities include supporting families to participate in bison

hunting, deer and elk hunting, developing spring and summer harvest skills workshops,

supporting family stewardship skills camps, providing stewardship outreach

presentations, and providing mentorship opportunities for high school and college

participants.

Visit the Nez Perce Tribe Wildlife Division website at www.nezpercewildlife.org to find

key information for hunters and gatherers, stay up to date on wildlife diseases in our

region, and learn what to do when you encounter young, injured, or seemingly

abandoned wildlife.

EDUCATION DEPARTMENT

Joyce McFarland, Manager

208.621.4610

Administration

Cultivating Relationships: Five teachers from Lapwai School District completed 15 college

credits in one year through the University of Idaho Cultivating Relationships grant. Their

learning experience focuses on relationships between people, places, lands, and water. They

experience place-based and online learning to improve their practice for teaching and

engaging tribal students.

Idaho Indian Education Committee: The Education Manager continued her role as an

appointed member of the Idaho Indian Education Committee (IIEC). Ensuring consultation

with the IIEC and honoring government-to-government relationships with leaders of the

tribes in Idaho has been a main focus. Proposed changes to move the Indian Education Office

to the State Board of Education (SBE) from the State Department of Education (SDE) were

discussed. After review, the IIEC supported the move because the SBE targets early

childhood to higher education (P-20), while the SDE serves K-12. The IIEC advocated for more

input on the hiring process for a new Indian Education Director and the possible expansion of

another position.

Wallowa Retreat: Education staff assisted in planning and providing education sessions for a

retreat for the I-KEEP program at Wallowa Lake in June.

Nez Perce Cultural Camp: The 24th annual Nez Perce Cultural Camp was held at Wallowa Lake

in August. 91 students in 4th-12th grades were in attendance. This year’s camp theme was

haywáanin’ kíye titooqanáawitki wiyéeleheycix (freely we are living the native way day to day).

Students reenacted the Nez Perce's entrance into the Treaty of 1855 grounds, initialed or put

an “X” by a treaty signer’s name, recorded Chief Joseph’s “Let Man Be Free” speech in

Nimipuutimt, practiced singing the Nez Perce flag song, and learned about treaties, tribal

sovereignty, and water quality.

NYA Mountain Biking

EDUCATION DEPARTMENT

Vocational Rehabilitation

Feather Holt, Director

208.843.9395

Transition Students: NPTVRS ended the 2023-2024 School Year with four

Transition Students graduating Lapwai High School. NPTVRS conducted a

“Career Exploration” series of guest speakers and field trips to learn about

the NPT Programs and careers. The Lapwai School District, Idaho State

Vocational Rehabilitation, and NPTVRS worked together to find placement

for some of the transition students to gain summer work experience within

different departments and programs.

Summer Youth Intern

Kendyl Greene

Summer Youth Employee: NPTVRS hired Kendyl Greene, Lapwai High

School, as our summer work experience student. Kendyl learned how to do

basic office duties, answer phones, and greet participants.

New Five-Year Grant Award: NPTVRS received a Grant Award Notification

for our next five-year grant cycle FY 2025-2030.

School Outreach: NPTVRS has scheduled visits for this school year with

Clarkston, Lapwai, Kooskia, and Kamiah.

Students for Success

Abraham Broncheau, Director

208.843.7303

Youth Impact

Conference

UNITY National Youth Council of the Year: 25 NAHOVA board members

attended the National UNITY Conference in Portland, OR. It was the largest

UNITY Conference ever with over 2,700 Native youth in attendance. SFS

NAHOVA was awarded the National Youth Council of the Year!

Youth Impact Prevention Training: Eight NAHOVA youth board members

and two SFS staff attended the Youth Impact Prevention Conference in

Boise, Idaho. NAHOVA board members used some of what they learned at

the training at the National UNITY Conference for their presentation. Youth

coalitions from all over Idaho were in attendance and it was a great

networking opportunity for NAHOVA. Youth members also visited the State

Capitol.

Webb Rose Photography

Career Exploration

EDUCATION DEPARTMENT

Nimiipuu Youth Adventures: Nimiipuu Youth Adventures (NYA) summer

programming had over 40 youth in attendance. Participants learned how

to make bows (and shoot them), about fire safety, and many other general

outdoor life skills. NYA events included paddle boarding, salmon fishing,

backpacking, mountain biking, and rock climbing.

Biocontrol

Career Exploration

Idaho Drug-Free Youth Summit: SFS paid for 20 youth to attend the Idaho

Youth Leadership Summit at Camp Lutherhaven. Participants were able to

learn about leadership styles, teamwork, and team building, and were able

to participate in a youth dance on the Lake Coeur d’Alene cruise boat deck.

NAHOVA Nimiipuu Youth Gathering of Native Americans (GONA):

NAHOVA/SFS held their 4th Annual Nimiipuu Youth GONA at the

Clearwater River Casino Event Center. Over 50 youth and community

members were in attendance. Guest speakers Kenneth Shirley (founder of

Indigenous Enterprise), Isaac Tonasket, Daniel Spaulding, Stacia Morfin,

and Nimiipuu Fund did an excellent job keeping the youth engaged and

inspired! Many NAHOVA members made their debut public speaking during

the conference. Three took major healthy risks to provide MC duties at the

National UNITY conference!

NDFY 2024

Natural Resources

Career Exploration

State Tribal Education Partnership (STEP)

Native Education Research Summit: In June, the Nez Perce and TEA

Consortium STEP programs coordinated the 11th Native Education

Research Summit at Wallowa Lake. We have been rotating the location

around the Nez Perce homeland to give school staff a better understanding

of the importance of place-based education and tribal student’s

connection to the land. 25 teachers, administrators, paraprofessionals, and

other school staff from Clarkston, Kamiah, and Lapwai attended. This was

the first year to invite Clarkston staff due to their participation in the TEA

Consortium STEP grant. The theme was “Since Time Immemorial: Tribal

Self-Determination.”

Tribal Consultation: The Kamiah School District completed the first written

consultation process with the STEP staff on their Consolidated Federal and

State Grant Application. The Superintendent explained the scope and

impact of their activities in select Elementary and Secondary Education

Act (ESEA) programs. Tribal consultation of ESEA programs is covered

under the Every Student Succeeds Act (ESSA).

NAHOVA Gathering 2024

Clarkston Inservice

UNITY National

Council of the Year

EDUCATION DEPARTMENT

New Partnerships in Washington: Since the Clarkston School District will be a partner on

the TEA Consortium STEP grant, they will sign a working agreement with the Nez Perce

TEA and the Office of Native Education in Washington’s Office of Superintendent of

Public Instruction. With Kamiah and Clarkston as partners in this grant, we will be

piloting efforts to impact the education of students in two states (traditional homeland).

Clarkston Schools Professional Development: On August 21, the Tribal STEP program

coordinated a full-day professional development event for 240 Clarkston School District

staff. Morning presentations at Clarkston High School were provided by STEP, Nez Perce

Language, Office of Legal Counsel, Fisheries, and Vocational Rehabilitation programs

from the Nez Perce Tribe.

Washington State University and Washington Educational Services District 123 also

assisted. In the afternoon, Tribal presenters provided learning sessions at Spalding on

traditional medicine, songs, foods, the history of 1877, stories, horses, and tipis. The Nez

Perce National Historical Park led museum tours.

School Sign: The Kamiah Elementary Native and Culture Language Team completed a

long-term project to add a new sign in front of the elementary schools that includes a

recognition of tribal culture.

Community Needs and Asset Mapping: The STEP program conducted focus groups with

elders, youth, and tribal employers to begin a long-term process to gain community

input to improve the academic achievement of Native American students. The program

evaluator has also been conducting community readiness interviews. Staff completed a

three-part “Circles of Reflection” process in collaboration with Education Northwest,

stakeholders of the Clarkston and Kamiah schools and communities, tribal parents,

tribal staff, and the Idaho State Department of Education this summer. The results will

help identify priorities, opportunities, and consultation needs to positively impact tribal

student’s whole child development, including academics.

Mamáy’asnim Hitéemenwees

Jenny Oatman, Director

208.843.7330

New Eligibility Provisions for American Indian/Alaska Native (AIAN) Head Start

Programs: The Office of Head Start (OHS) regularly engages with tribes to understand

the special circumstances of AIAN Head Start programs. Through regular consultation,

tribal leaders and Tribal Head Start administrators have indicated that tribes should be

able to exercise appropriate discretion in determining which children should be eligible

and prioritized for Head Start services.

EDUCATION DEPARTMENT

Following this historic statutory change, OHS affirms that tribes — to the maximum extent

possible — should determine which children in their communities would most benefit from

Head Start services. This provision specifies that beginning in FY 2024, AIAN programs

have the discretion to consider eligibility for Head Start services regardless of income.

The new language applies to both tribal and non-tribal children in an AIAN program’s

service area. This law will increase the number of children in tribal communities who are

eligible to participate in Head Start services, including opportunities to participate in

activities that engage their Native language and culture. Mamáy’asnim Hitéemenwees has

revised its selection criteria to implement the new eligibility provisions.

Head Start/Early Head Start Graduates: Graduates were honored with our Annual HS/EHS

Graduation Parade and refreshments at the Lapwai City Park and the Kamiah Center and a

virtual graduation with diploma distribution. There were 46 HS graduates (Lapwai-26;

Kamiah-20); 21 EHS graduates (Lapwai-17; Kamiah-4).

Summer Childcare: Mamáy’asnim Hitéemenwees offered summer child care which

included Fridays. Overall, attendance was approximately 50-60%.

Professional Development: 22 staff, including teaching staff, attended the following

conferences: National Indian Head Start Directors Association (Billings/7 staff), Northwest

Indian Head Start Coalition (Spokane/6 staff), CCDF Program Planning/Behavior Bootcamp

(Denver/4 staff), and Zero to Three conference (Long Beach/5 staff). Additionally, 10

teaching staff attended an intense weeklong CDA training at the CRC (Lewiston).

Higher Education

For the 4th consecutive year, tribal scholarship numbers have not rebounded to the prepandemic average of 155 students per year. There have been 30 fewer students attending

college than the annual average in 2017-2020.

In the 2023-24 school year, we funded 126 tribal members totaling $430,057 in tribal

scholarships and $263,083 in BIA scholarships. Student degree types were Associates

(20.24%), Bachelors (57.14%), Doctorate/Professional (3.17%), Masters (7.94%), and

Vocational Technical (11.51%).

In the 2023-24 school year, we verified Nez Perce graduates for Associates (7), Bachelors

(16), Doctorate/Professional (1), Masters (4), and Vocational Technical (3) for an overall

total of 31 graduates.

So far, we have processed 80 scholarship applications for the Summer and Fall 2024.

EDUCATION DEPARTMENT

Career Center (formerly Adult Ed)

Kay Seven, Director

208.843.7316

For Fiscal Year 2024, the Career Center is the administrator of two projects: a 477 program

using a legislative authority of Indian self-determination to consolidate seven federal

programs with four federal agencies under a single plan and budget and a new U.S.

Department of Labor YouthBuild grant in the amount of $1.247 million.

The YouthBuild project is currently in the development phase preparing a plan to enroll 54

youth between the ages of 16-24 in the next two years.

The YouthBuild project will serve youth with challenges to employability. Youth will work on

completing high school equivalency, building a career plan, and building work experience in

the construction or natural resource fields using a pre-apprenticeship model. The

YouthBuild project will be recruiting a project director, a case manager, and a job developer

to help guide youth to a future of opportunity.

The P.L. 102-477 project is serving 118 students/job seekers enrolled in job training programs

to build employability or enter/retain employment. The programs include GED/high school

equivalency, clock hour training for an industry certification, pre-apprenticeship or

apprenticeship training, career technical education two-year degree programs, and nursing.

The students are actively preparing a career in the following industry sectors: health,

hospitality & tourism, manufacturing, automotive/aviation mechanics, building trades,

transportation, information systems, graphic design, natural resources, finance,

pyrotechnic, and electric power generation. The health and manufacturing sectors are a

priority for the region around the Nez Perce Reservation in north central Idaho and

southeastern Washington.

A regional career fair for high school sophomores and juniors was held on May 14 on the

Lewis-Clark State College campus for the annual “Dream It Do It” event. The career fair is a

strategic pillar with the Inland Northwest Workforce Council to provide talent pipeline

opportunity to high school students.

SOCIAL SERVICES

DEPARTMENT

Jackie McArthur, Manager

208.843.2463

Financial Assistance

Taricia Moliga

208.843.2463

Vital Statistics Nez Perce Deaths: January 1, 2024-August 27, 2024

Women average age of deceased:67.58 Total Deceased:13

Men average age of deceased: 58.55 Total Deceased: 10

Overall average age of deceased: 63.71 Total Deceased: 23

Our office oversees 11 programs, including three that are grant-funded, all dedicated to

serving the people of the Nez Perce Tribe. Recently, we successfully addressed the

sheltering needs during the Gwen Fire by collaborating with multiple agencies. Our team

works diligently to support the homeless by providing essential services such as hygiene

products and food. We also maintain strong partnerships with various state, federal, and

community organizations to enhance our efforts and extend our reach. Through all of our

programs, we served a total of 1,557 people in the amount of $550,127.

MMIP Gathering 2024

Veteran’s Program

Mary Taylor, Coordinator

208.621.4738

The Veterans Program collaborates with other agencies to assist and support tribal

veterans, for example: Walla Walla and Spokane Medical Centers, Spokane Tribal HUD-VASH,

Healthcare for Homeless Veterans, VETS Center, Department of Labor, Office of Tribal

Government Relations, Nez Perce Tribal Housing Authority, and other tribal veterans

programs.

The Veterans Program can assist veterans and/or their families with: ordering a DD214

(Discharge Paper); signing up for VA Health Benefits; VA Home Loans, ordering and setting

headstones, markers or medallions; gas assistance for medical appointments; emergency

assistance, referrals to the other agencies or programs that may assist them.

Our program is open, no appointment necessary.

SOCIAL SERVICES

DEPARTMENT

Adult Protection Program

Margaret McCormack

208.621.3873

The Adult Protection Program (APS) receives reports of alleged abuse, neglect, exploitation,

and self-neglect of Nez Perce tribal elders and vulnerable adults living on the Reservation.

APS investigates, coordinates services, and sends referrals as necessary. The program

intends to eliminate or reduce the risk of harm or abuse while safeguarding the

elderly/vulnerable adult’s civil liberties.

APS coordinates monthly and as needed multi-disciplinary team meetings to staff cases and

implement an action plan. The team consists of: NMPH CHR Program, Behavioral Health,

Prosecutor, Law Enforcement, Housing, and Social Services. Other monthly meetings

include State of Idaho Region II and Tribal Elder Justice Advocates. Eldercare meetings are

facilitated, as needed.

Have attended 16 webinars and three in-person trainings including: Advance Care Planning

Conference, Addressing Social Isolation and Loneliness for People Living with Dementia and

their Caregivers, Social Security Benefits, Death & Dying, Decision-Making in Later Life:

Navigating Risk & Optimizing Safety, Addressing Family Dynamics in Caregiving, Reindigenizing Trauma-Informed response in Indigenous Communities, & Person-Centered

Approaches in Elder Abuse Multi-Disciplinary Teams.

APS continues to partner with other tribal programs including NMPH Community & NMPH

Behavioral Health, NPTHA, Nez Perce Tribal Prosecutor, Uuyit Kimti, Law Enforcement, and

Tribal Court. As well as outside agencies: Native American Elder Justice Initiative, Northwest

Portland Area Indian Health Board, Administration for Community Living, Title VI,

Administration on Aging, Area Agency on Aging, area long-term and rehabilitative care

facilities, Salvation Army, and Goodwill.

Senior Citizens Program

Georganne Morrison, Director

208.843.7311

The Nez Perce Tribe Senior Citizen Program strives to promote good health for our Tribal

elders and to promote the well-being of our Tribal elders by assisting such individuals to

gain access to elder resources, nutrition, disease prevention, and by promoting health

services to delay the onset of adverse health conditions resulting from poor nutritional

health or sedentary behavior. Our program helps our Tribal elders by reducing hunger and

food insecurity on our Reservation.

SOCIAL SERVICES

DEPARTMENT

Our program delivers to eligible elders in Lapwai and Kamiah. We strive to serve wellbalanced meals and nutritious healthy foods that comply with the recent Dietary

Guidelines of the Older Americans Act. Menus that are approved monthly by Julie

Keller, Nutritionist, Certified Diabetes Care, and Education Specialist.

Chief Joseph Complex, Lapwai: We serve approximately 60-100+ elders daily. Eligible

elders come in and grab a meal to go daily. Our meal deliveries are at 37.

Teweepuu Community Center, Orofino: Elders at this site receive a food stipend of

$60/month.

Lookinglass Complex, Kamiah: We serve approximately 8-15 elders daily. Elders may

come in and dine or grab a meal to go. Kamiah elder meal deliveries are approximately

37- 40 per day.

All sites have birthday and bingo activities during the third week of every month.

Kamiah is the third Tuesday, Lapwai is the third Wednesday, and Orofino is the third

Thursday.

We provide services for elders who are homebound, assist in transportation to medical

appointments, grocery stores, post offices, and nursing homes/hospitals, referrals to

appropriate resources, help with home-health aides, and meal deliveries for the frail

and handicapped. These services are provided daily.

We provide monthly social activities such as root digging, corn husk weaving, loop

necklace making, tule place mats, huckleberry picking, Indian tea harvesting, making

yarn bags, ribbon skirts, sewing aprons, scenic rides, exercise classes, Whitebird

Memorial, beaded key chains and many more.

Our program hosts an annual Nez Perce Tribe Elder Day, Elder Valentine’s Day,

Halloween, Christmas, Christmas at Nursing Homes, and a quarterly needs assessment

events.

Lapwai: Quarterly Total Meals/Deliveries = Apr-Aug = 8,159

Kamiah: Quarterly Total Meals/Deliveries = Apr-Aug = 3,787

SOCIAL SERVICES

DEPARTMENT

Temporary Assistance to Needy Families (TANF)

Connie Guillory, Director

208.843.2464

Tribal TANF recipients are required to comply with program and fiscal requirements. The

Plan covers a three-year period which outlines the Tribe’s approach to providing welfarerelated services. Each TANF Program sets minimum work participation hours requirements

for all family units, excluding relative care. The primary mission is to assist families in

becoming self-sufficient and responsible through employment, on-the-job training, support

services, and comprehensive case management to support, guide, and accomplish within 60

months.

Program Design: upon acceptance, the client develops, in cooperation with case

management, a Family Self-Sufficiency/Employability Plan (FSP), which is their commitment

for training and/or work. The FSP is divided into 3 phases: 1) Introduction and purposes of

TANF; 2) Steps to meet outcomes; and 3) Plan to address employment. Each phase

establishes a framework to meet goals that are measurable and sustainable. Case

management reviews the FSP monthly to ensure compliance.

Goals 2024 - 2025:

Increase client caseload. A strategic plan is being developed.

We have identified families to assist with car repair, appliances, household items, repairs,

etc. These requests are monitored to meet compliance.

Accomplishments:

We currently have 33 families, eight family units, and 25 non-needy caretaker relatives

(NNCR) which represent 75% NNCR. TANF has become a safety net for our Nez Perce

families while parents receive treatment.

TANF was audited for the first time since Covid. We are happy to report that the results were

100%! The audit included years 2022 and 2024.

Two clients have become gainfully employed with the Nez Perce Tribe and have begun the

transition process. The transition process allows continued support services but they do not

receive a regular grant.

The three mothers-to-be (MTB) participants have had their babies. This category has special

requirements and close monitoring to ensure their needs are met. One of the MTBs is

completing her requirements for a high school diploma and will walk in 2024.

SOCIAL SERVICES

DEPARTMENT

Two elders requested assistance with living room furniture. One of the clients is in a

wheelchair with declining health. TANF worked with the NPTHA to coordinate services.

Six Lapwai High School students graduated in 2024.

TANF lost three NNCRs. We grieve their losses as they were very active and

appreciated what TANF did for their families.

One of our young families got married! This step meets Purpose 4 of the TANF Act,

“encourage the formation and maintenance of two-parent families”. Congratulations!

Food and Nutrition

Thunder Garcia, Director

208.843.7305

The Food Distribution Program on Indian Reservations (FDPIR) provides USDA Foods to

income-eligible households living on Indian reservations, and to American Indian

households residing in approved areas near reservations. Many households participate

in FDPIR as an alternative to the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP)

because they do not have easy access to SNAP offices or authorized food stores.

Currently, there are approximately 276 tribes receiving benefits under FDPIR.

USDA Food Distribution averages 281 households and 333 participants each month.

In conjunction with our Commodity Foods Program, we also have an Emergency Food

Pantry and a Mobile Food Pantry in partnership with the Idaho Food Bank. Our

Emergency Food Pantry assists another 20-25 families each month. Our Mobile Food

Pantry Partnership with Idaho Food Bank continues to average 353 people in the

months of March-August 2024.

We have a new grant Local Food Purchase Program through the USDA in conjunction

with the Columbia River Inter-Tribal Fish Commission. We are able to purchase

domestically produced foods and drinks produced within a 400-mile radius. With these

funds, we have served 125 families at each distribution. We have had four distributions

so far this year. These food distributions will continue into the coming year.

We have several facilities projects for FY 23/24 that we completed. We replaced our

two roof-top units that heats and cools the main warehouse. In addition, we built a new

walk-in freezer to double our capacity for frozen goods. We also received our brand

new 2024 refrigerated truck that will assist the Tribe in times of emergencies.

SOCIAL SERVICES

DEPARTMENT

We have two locations within the Nez Perce Tribe Reservation:

LAPWAI

NPT USDA Building

121 Lolo Street

Lapwai, Idaho

Phone: 208.843.7305

KAMIAH

Wa-A’Yas Community Center

401 Idaho Street

Kamiah, Idaho

Phone: 208.935.4115

Uuyit Kimti Program

Amanda Lopez, Director

208.621.4658

Uuyit Kimti program is confidential & voluntary, and services are open to all genders. The

program provides emergency shelter, assistance, advocacy, and transitional housing to

victims of domestic violence, dating violence, sexual assault, and stalking. From April to

September 2024, Uuyit Kimti program has a total of 28 referrals made to the program’s

office and 25 victims seeking client services and advocacy.

Part of the Uuyit Kimti mission is to provide community-based trauma-informed culturally

specific services, including outreach and education to our tribal communities. We strive to

make our services visible and accessible to all victims, as well as provide teaching and

education opportunities. Our staff is continuing community education and outreach as

well as providing opportunities for cultural healing activities.

Our program has been doing outreach including Men’s Wellness Day, Family Engagement

Day, self-defense classes, Missing or Murdered Indigenous Persons (MMIP) Walk, Pride

Event, Home Fair, and Sexual Assault Awareness Month activities. Cultural healing classes

were held for crafting beadwork, necklaces, and moccasin making. Our fall and winter

classes will have ribbon shirt and wing dress-making classes. We produce educational

materials for victims, communities, service providers, and programs.

Uuyit Kimti staff is continuously engaging in training opportunities to better serve our

relatives and Tribe. We actively incorporate what we learn into our services. Our staff

attended the Native Wellness Institute – Being Healing and Trauma Informed conference

and the Idaho Safety and Resilience Conference with our partners with the Idaho Council

on Domestic Violence and Victim Assistance.

SOCIAL SERVICES

DEPARTMENT

Our annual MMIP Walk to raise awareness and honor loved ones took place on May 8th. On

this day we honored MMIP loved ones by having our local families speak about their loved

one’s stories and give testimony. At this event, we had singers, prayers, food, support, and

awareness. We were excited to make our MMIP t-shirt available to our Kamiah relatives for

those who could not travel to Lapwai. We look forward to bringing our MMIP walk to Kamiah

in May 2025!

Remember that you are never alone,

we are here to help.

Uuyit Kimti Booth

NOTES

“Since time immemorial, the Nez Perce people have been here, living in balance

with the land, the water, the foods, and all creation, always aware of our

ancestors, their teachings and sacrifices made for our future generations. Our

mission as the Nez Perce Tribe is to honor our people (past, present, and future)

and fulfill our responsibilities to protect our sacred place upon Mother Earth. We

will work to prepare, plan, protect, revitalize, and preserve our many resources,

rights, practices, and sovereignty as a tribe, and, with our people, promote

wellness, safety, cultural resilience, and prosperity.”

Cover photos courtesy of Bret Lawyer

This is a copy of a public record, reproduced as it was published. It is not legal advice, and it may not be the version a court would rely on. Check the official source before you cite it.