Nez Perce Historical Exhibit on Display at Eastern Oregon University

Nez Perce Historical Exhibit on Display at Eastern Oregon University

The powerful Nez Perce historical exhibit, funded by a grant from the Oregon State Capitol Foundation, is now on display at Eastern Oregon University (EOU) in the Loso Hall Lobby, before being moved to Blue Mountain Community College (BMCC) following the winter break. 

The exhibit, created by the Josephy Center for Arts & Culture, sheds light on the resilience and history of the Nez Perce people (Nimiipuu), whose ancestral roots stretch back more than 16,000 years, as evidenced by recent archeological findings at Coopers Ferry on the Salmon River.

Hosted by the EOU Native American Program, this exhibit arrives at Eastern Oregon University at a meaningful time as we honor Native American Heritage Month. 

Through the lens of this Nez Perce Historical Exhibit, students and the campus community can look deeper into Native American history and culture, connecting the stories of the past to our own region and enhancing their understanding of Indigenous experiences and resilience.

Visitors will journey through the Nez Perce’s story, from early interactions with Lewis and Clark to the forced treaties and land losses that led to displacement, as well as the cultural suppression they endured through boarding schools and assimilation policies. Despite these hardships, the exhibit celebrates the enduring spirit of the Nez Perce and their growing influence, especially in Oregon’s Wallowa region.

The exhibit has already made stops at several locations, including the Josephy Center for Arts & Culture, Wallowa Memorial Hospital, and the Wallowa History Center. It presents an immersive and deeply informative exploration of the Nez Perce’s rich heritage and tragic displacement, emphasizing the community’s enduring presence and growing influence in Oregon, particularly in the Wallowa region.

The exhibit traces the Nez Perce’s history, from early encounters with Lewis and Clark to the injustices of forced land treaties and encroachments by settlers, which ultimately led to conflict and the loss of their homelands. It also highlights the subsequent years of cultural suppression through boarding schools, allotment policies, and other assimilationist tactics. Yet, despite these trials, the Nez Perce people remain resilient, with their culture, traditions, and presence continuing to expand in the region.

Upcoming Exhibit Locations
Current Exhibit: Eastern Oregon University, La Grande, OR
Future Exhibit: Blue Mountain Community College, Pendleton, OR (after Winter Break)

Past Locations:

• Josephy Center for Arts & Culture
• Wallowa Memorial Hospital
• Wallowa History Center

The exhibit will culminate in 2025 at the Oregon State Capitol in Salem, where it will be displayed in a prominent space for visitors to learn about this critical chapter of Oregon’s history.

Visitors can also explore a digital version of the exhibit online. 

For more information about the exhibit or upcoming locations, please contact the Josephy Center for Arts & Culture.About the Josephy Center for Arts & Culture:
The Josephy Center for Arts & Culture, located in Joseph, Oregon, is dedicated to promoting the arts, history, and culture of Wallowa County and the Nez Perce people. Through educational programs and exhibits, the center honors the region’s rich heritage and fosters a deeper understanding of its history.