Miles, an Idaho Nez Perce native and the Natural Resource Manager for his tribe, began with a brief historical overview. He highlighted the 1855 Treaty that first gave the Nez Perce exclusive rights to fishing, hunting, and gathering on their land – a treaty still honored today. The discovery of gold on their reservation, however, soon led to the encroachment of white settlers and a dramatic reduction of Nez Perce territory by 1863.
Miles brought the discussion into contemporary times by describing the six natural resource departments over which he now supervises: Forestry, Wildlife, Land Services, Water Resources, Environmental Restoration and Waste Management, and Cultural Resources. He explained the importance of protecting and preserving such resources for the future of his tribe.
“It’s the unborn Nez Perce I’m worried about,” said Miles, who has taught his four children traditional methods of fishing salmon from the Snake River. “The biggest part of our culture is for our kids to learn this,” he continued, and explained that the salmon and the Snake River are two resources he is fighting to protect from dam development.
Another effort he featured is the Gray Wolf Recovery project which has successfully reintroduced over 300 wolves into Idaho forests despite their near disappearance years ago. Miles noted that this is one of several management cases that his tribe has taken over from the State due to their inefficiency or neglect. Evidence of the Nez Perce Natural Resource Management Department’s success lies in the several awards they have received for their work, but Miles said that ideally, he’d like to see the State and the Tribe share such important responsibilities together.
The question-and-answer period allowed participants to inquire about various issues, including how environmental preservation by the tribe might spark increased discrimination by non-natives, and how children are being considered as a natural resource to protect for the future.
“We’re helping [non-natives] understand that their economies rely on this work,” he said, responding to the first question. Miles noted that not since 1980 has there been significant resistance or prejudice by outside communities, and that now some non-natives have even joined the tribe’s efforts. Looking at the Nez Perce youth, Miles said that the reinstitution of their native language and the inclusion of Nez Perce cultural history in primary school curricula is a vital step in preserving their culture for the future.
This Bridge Builders event closed with attendees satiated not only by the food, but also by an informed and animated discussion of issues pertinent to everyone. Miles’ work with his tribe’s natural resources is a model for the attitudes and efforts that will ensure a future that does not forget the past.
Gabrielle Berlinger is a regional editor at Cultural Survival.
