Language is the Heartbeat of our Culture

​The loss of nimipuutímt, the Nez Perce Language, would also result in an irreplaceable loss of cultural knowledge.  Learning to speak nimipuutímt is a bridge to Nez Perce culture that you can share with your family, strengthening the roots by which our language can grow.

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 also 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

Cancelled Language Circles in Kamiah and Orofino

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At this time, the Nez Perce Language Program will be postponing regularly scheduled Language gatherings in Kamiah and Orofino.  We value the health and safety of our community members and will post updates when things change.
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wapa'áyx 'ípsus. 'ee 'imá'iyano'.
(You [singular] wash hands.  You will be safe.)
qe’ciyéw’yew’.
(Thank you.)

For more information, please contact Stella at 208-494-4232.

New Grammar Pages

There is now an Alphabet page!  You can learn how to read nimipuutímt, and listen to examples for proper pronunciation.  Basic grammar pages have also been added!  Learn how to form verbs and basic phrases.  Just go to the Alphabet button in the main menu bar.

New Video for támsoy káa ‘alatálo

You can now watch a video with the telling of the Ant and Yellowjacket story!  Our elder, Florene Davis, reads the story and you can follow along in nimipuutímt and English!
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Click here to listen to the story and download your own copy!