Chief Joseph

Chief Joseph (1840-1904), headman of the Nez Pierce band, became the greatest diplomat, philosopher, and - from necessity rather than choice - war leader of his people, and is among the most respected Indian leaders of American history. The Nez Pierce people lived in peace with white intruders in their homelands until 1863.

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The Nez Pierce people lived in peace with white intruders in their homelands until 1863, when a treaty called for the tribe's removal to a reservation in Idaho. Chief Joseph (1840-1904), headman of the Nez Pierce band in northeastern Oregon's Wallowa Valley, became the greatest diplomat, philosopher, and - from necessity rather than choice - war leader of his people, and is among the most respected Indian leaders of American history.