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

Cultural Camp is back!

The 21st Annual Nez Perce Cultural Camp will be held in Cascade Lake, Idaho! 

Kids attending grades 8-12 in the upcoming school year, can participate in the first session of Cultural Camp from July 27-29th.  The deadline for application to this session is Monday, July 12th at 4:30 p.m.

Kids attending 4th-7th grade in the upcoming school year, can participate in the second session of Cultural Camp from August 17-19th.  The deadline for application to this session is Monday, August 2nd at 4:30 p.m.

For more information, visit our Nez Perce Cultural Camp page.  Applications can be downloaded here, or picked up at following locations: 
Education Service Building
271 B Street
Lapwai, Idaho
(208) 621-4610
Students for Success Office
wéeyees Community Center
Kamiah, ID
(208) 935-4110

Video for ​pálx̣c káa héey’uxc!

We've got a new video for the pálx̣c káa héey’uxc (Snowshoe Hare and Cottontail Rabbit) story!  You can download your own copy of the book and follow along as it is narrated in nimipuutímt!  Check it out on the nimíipuum titwáatit page.

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.