Old Chief Joseph facts for kids
Old Chief Joseph (born around 1785, died 1871) was an important leader of the Wallowa Band of the Nez Perce people. His real name was Tuekakas, or Tiwi-teqis, which means "senior warrior." He was one of the first Nez Perce people to become a Christian. He strongly believed in keeping peace between his tribe and the white settlers.
In 1855, Old Chief Joseph helped the governor of Washington Territory create a special area for the Nez Perce, called a reservation. This reservation stretched from Oregon into Idaho. The Nez Perce agreed to give up some of their land. In return, they were promised that white settlers would not enter their sacred Wallowa Valley.
A Broken Promise
However, things changed in 1863. Gold was discovered in the Nez Perce territory. Because of this, the United States government took back about 6 million acres (24,000 square kilometers) of their land. This new agreement limited the Nez Perce to a much smaller reservation in Idaho, only about 750,000 acres (3,000 square kilometers). This was just one-tenth of their original land!
Old Chief Joseph argued that his people never agreed to this second treaty. He felt tricked and betrayed by the United States. To show his anger, he cut up his American flag and tore his Bible. He refused to move his band from the Wallowa Valley. He also would not sign the treaty that would make the new, smaller reservation official.
Family Legacy
Old Chief Joseph was the father of Hinmahtoo-yahlatkekht. This son later became famous as "Young Joseph" or Chief Joseph, who continued his father's fight for their land and people.
