nimipuutímt

Language is the Heartbeat of our Culture

nimipuutímt, the Nez Perce Language, is a bridge to Nez Perce culture. The two are intertwined together. Learning to speak nimipuutímt and sharing it with your family, strengthens the bonds to not only our language, but also our culture.

On this website we provide tools to help you learn.

You can also visit the Nez Perce Tribe's official Language page.

Voices of Our Elders

The lesson plans provided include recordings of the language, spoken by our elders. The Nez Perce Language Program spends valuable time with the elders to bring their voices and guidance to you.

Teaching Our Youth

As well as providing learning tools, the Nez Perce Language Program maintains a presence in classrooms across multiple communities. Our teachers give nimipuutímt lessons in classes from head start to college.

Traditional Stories

Along with the language, Nez Perce stories hold a wealth of cultural knowledge. They include practical knowledge, such as uses for plants and the good fishing spots. They also teach moral values held by the nimiipuu, Nez Perce people, since the ancient origins of the stories.

Modern Methods

The Nez Perce Language Program continues to improve our methods of teaching along with the growth of technology. The development of the Nez Perce Language App is one of the forms of this growth.

News and Updates

Nez Perce Language Lessons in Kamiah

Beginner Nez Perce Language lessons will take place at the wéeyees (NPD pg. 871) Kitchen Hall in Kamiah on the Fridays. 1 p.m. - 2:30 p.m.

Culture Camp 2023 is complete!

Both sessions of The Nez Perce Cultural Camp 2023 have concluded!

The workbooks and audio are available on the Culture Camp page!

Community Scavenger Hunts Closed

The Nez Perce Language Program community Scavenger Hunts have concluded! Thank you to all of our participants and for your feedback. We enjoy this activity and hope to continue year after year!

Language Survey

Please take a moment to visit our Community Input page and answer a few questions. The Nez Perce Language Program is committed to providing new and engaging learning tools. Surveys help us assess the needs of the community.

Video Lessons

New video lessons have been added! Learn more about our traditional calendar, the niimíipuum seasons and months. And practice with a Memory Card game.

Just go to the niimíipuum 'inmíiwit page!

Games

Games are being added to the Lessons pages. They include Memory Card and Phrase Building games!
The Nez Perce Language Program is dedicated to adding more learning activities. These games will provide a new, fun, interactive way to learn! We appreciate your dedication to learning and will continue to add these resources as they are completed.