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.

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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.

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News and Updates

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Information from the 20th Annual Cultural Camp is now available!

Go to the Nez Perce Cultual Camp page to download a copy of this year's workbook.  You can also see pictures and lists of the 2019 nimipuutímt Award winners!

támsoy káa ‘alatálo Book

The Nez Perce Language Program has printed children's books of the Ant and Yellow Jacket story!  If you would like a copy, visit the Language Building in Lapwai or the Language Room at the Wa-A'Yas Community Center in Kamiah.

Click here to listen to the story!