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

New App

The Nez Perce Language Program has been working with Native Teaching Aids LLC to develop an educational card game to learn nimipuutímt.  The card game is pending release, but the the accompanying app is available now!  Download the app now to access the dictionary and listen to audio.

Applications Available for Nez Perce Cultural Camp

It's time to apply for the 24th Annual Nez Perce Cultural Camp!  Two camp sessions will be held at Wallowa Lake, OR. 
Session 1 will take place August 6-8, 2024 for kids entering grades 8-12 in the upcoming school year.  Applications are due by end of business on Monday, July 29, 2024.
Session 2 will take place August 13-15, 2024 for kids entering grades 4-7 in the upcoming school year.  Applications are due by the end of business on Monday, August 5, 2024.
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For more information, applications, or a flyer, visit the Cultural Camp page!

Kahoot! Games Available

Kahoot!  Is a fun, game-based way to learn.  The Nez Perce Language Program teachers often utilize these games in class.  Now you can join in the fun!  Just click the links provided on the Video Lessons pages, and you can review your vocab with a Kahoot! game.

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.