Language is the Heartbeat of our Culture

nimipuutímt, 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 Program Building Closed (Lapwai)

Due to COVID-19 exposure, the Nez Perce Language Program building in Lapwai will remain closed until August 17th.  The Nez Perce Language Program office in the Wa-A'Yas Community Center also remains closed at this time.    NPLP staff will continue to work off-site. 

If you need to contact NPLP staff, you can do so via e-mail.  Thank you for your patience at this time.

New Video Lessons!

The Nez Perce Language Program is dedicated to ongoing education of nimipuutímt during this trying time.  Our staff is continuing to work on new ways to teach lessons and bring the language into your home.  Check out the new page dedicated to Video Lessons!  We appreciate your patience as new videos will be added as soon as they are ready.

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.
​
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.

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!