Nez Perce Tribe gets more Wallowa County homeland back
Updated May 06, 2021;
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By Bill Bradshaw | Wallowa County Chieftain
WALLOWA The Nez Perce Tribe took another step toward reestablishing itself in its traditional Wallowa County homeland Thursday, April 29, when it received the title to the now-former Wallowa Methodist Church.
The ceremony on the lawn behind the church included about 60 people, most of whom were Nez Perce tribal members from the Lapwai, Idaho-based reservation. Also in attendance were members of the United Methodist Church’s Oregon-Idaho Conference, which has held title to the land and building since it closed June 30.
It was a time of thanksgiving, reconciliation, tradition and blessing on all parts.
WALLOWA â The Nez Perce Tribe took another step toward reestablishing itself in its traditional Wallowa County homeland on Thursday, April 29, when the tribe received the title to the now-former Wallowa Methodist Church.
The ceremony on the lawn behind the church included about 60 people, most of whom were Nez Perce tribal members from the Lapwai, Idaho-based reservation. Also in attendance were members of the United Methodist Churchâs Oregon-Idaho Conference, which has held title to the land and building since it closed on June 30, 2020.
âItâs the transfer of deeds so this church is going back to the Nez Perce Tribe. Weâre very honored to be able to be here today for this,â said Casey Mitchell, vice chairman of the Nez Perce Tribal Executive Committee. âAny land that comes back to the tribe is a blessing for us, considering this is originally our homeland that we were pushed out of.â