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

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!

Registration for Cultural Camp 2019

The 20th Annual Nez Perce Cultural Camp is here!
Kids have the opportunity to learn about Nez Perce culture, history, and language, while camping at Wallowa Lake, OR.  Some of the many activities include swimming, sports, arts and crafts, dancing, and drumming.

The Application Deadline is Thursday, August 1st, at 4:30 p.m.
For more information about Cultural Camp, or to download an application, go to our Nez Perce Cultural Camp page!

Nez Perce Language Classes in Kamiah

The Nez Perce Language will be hosting nimipuutímt lessons and a potluck dinner in Kamiah.

Lessons will be on July 17th, and July 24th from 6 p.m. to 7 p.m. at the Wa-A'Yas Community Center.  Please join and feel free to bring a side dish!

Ribbon Skirt Classes in Orofino

There will be Ribbon Skirt Making Classes in Orofino on July 23rd, and July 30th.  Classes will be from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. at the Teweepuu Center.

The Nez Perce Language Program has partnered to provide instructions in nimipuutímt.  For more information, contact Alexis Coomer at the Teweepuu Center.