Nez Perce discuss proud past, bright future

Three elders of the Nez Perce Tribe told stories of veterans, continuing traditions and nostalgia for simpler times at a panel event Thursday for Native American Awareness Week at Lewis-Clark State College.

Leroy Seth, Wilfred Scott and Diane Mallickan spoke at "Nez Perce history - A focus on the early 1900s," in the Williams Conference Center at LCSC. The event was one of many held during Native American Awareness Week on the school's Lewiston campus. Events began Monday and will end tonight with a powwow.

An audience of about 50 - mostly made up of professors and other adults - listened first to Scott, a veteran of the U.S. Navy who served on the Nez Perce Tribal Executive Committee for many years. He has helped coordinate the implementation of 200 memorials for veterans.

"My biggest passion has been veterans, and I still work with them," Scott said.

Scott noted Nez Perce tribal members have been more than willing to serve the United States during wartime. On Thursday, he listed specific numbers on how many tribal members served in every major war since World War I, how many died in each battle and how many were prisoners of war. He also spoke of changing the traditional roles of women within the tribe and honoring their service in uniform.

"Our women have a very rich history in the Nez Perce Tribe as far as serving," Scott said.

Seth and Mallickan touched on the high-tech culture of today's world, and the use of harmful pesticides and other chemicals affecting agricultural products and freshwater sources.

"I remember when I could drink out of the Clearwater River without worrying about getting cancer," Seth said.

Mallickan echoed that sentiment, saying she remembered a time when people she knew had gardens as large as 4 acres, and the gardens were maintained with thought for community, not just the single family.

"We don't have that quality of life (anymore)," Mallickan said. "So we have to ask ourselves, what are we doing? Where are we going?"

But Scott maintained he and other tribal members see a bright future for this generation if younger people take responsibility.

"I'm proud of the young people and what they're doing," Scott said.

The powwow ceremony that will close out Native American Awareness Week will be at 7 tonight in the LCSC Activity Center. For more information about the week, contact Bob Sobotta at (208) 792-2812.

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Moseley may be contacted at kmoseley@lmtribune.com or (208) 848-2270.