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

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URL: https://www.frixlaw.com/law-library/documents/tribal%3Anez_perce%3A4c3a64ab36d0170e

## Record

- **Collection:** Tribal code
- **Document type:** Tribal code

## Text

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

01

Executive Director Welcome

02

NPT Government Management Team

03

Executive Director‘s Office

12

Human Resources

14

Department of Technology

16

Fisheries

22

Natural Resources

35

Education

41

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
E
M
N
R
E
NT
V
O
G
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

2

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.

3

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

Team Building 2023

4

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.

5

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.

6

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.

7

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

8

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.

9

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.

10

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

11

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.
12

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
57
178

Positions Grade 16 and Above:
Total Number of Employees: 272
Nez Perce Tribal Employees: 141
Other Tribe Employees:
14
non-preference Employees:
117

Positions Grade 15 and Below:
Total Number of Employees: 358
Nez Perce Tribal Employees: 254
Other Tribe Employees:
43
non-preference Employees:
61

13

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

14

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

15

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.

16

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

17

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.
18

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.

19

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

20

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

21

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.

22

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.

23

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.

24

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.

25

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.

26

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.

27

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.

28

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.

29

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.

30

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

31

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.

32

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.

33

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.

34

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

35

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

36

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).

37

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.

38

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.

39

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.

40

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.

41

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.

42

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

43

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.

44

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.

45

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.

46

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

47

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

---

Source: Frix Law Library, https://www.frixlaw.com/law-library/documents/tribal%3Anez_perce%3A4c3a64ab36d0170e. Public record. Not legal advice.