PULLMAN, Wash. — An Indigenous nonprofit working with tribal nations across the Pacific Northwest hopes to carry on their traditions and values through the next generation of Indigenous leaders.
Nimiipuu Protecting the Environment is working to carry on the environmental practices in the tradition of the Nimiipuu, more commonly known as the Nez Perce. One of their main focuses is to protect their 1855 Treaty rights as the next generation becomes leaders in the community.
Nimiipuu Protecting the Environment has an after-school program where youth from Lapwai Elementary School come every Wednesday to work on canoe and paddle carving, arts and crafts, beadwork, and caring for the raised garden and fruit trees. The nonprofit also holds regular Tribal Environmental Summits where tribal groups in the Pacific Northwest discuss common tribal issues.
“Most tribes have common issues with first foods and the way that dams and other ‘development” has harmed our traditional hunting, fishing and gathering areas,” said Julian Matthews who is a part of Nimiipuu Protecting the Environment. “We work on education and information for youth on water, land, forests, endangered species, alternative energy and policies that can protect mother earth.”
Nimiipuu Protecting the Environment works with tribal nations in the U.S., Pacific Northwest, Alaska, and Canada. They focus on their reservations and the youth and adults within the reservation. Nimiipuu Protecting the Environment also is trying to push their traditional culture that has gone away as westward expansion became more popular.
Matthews said that people who want to learn more about the native culture should involve themselves with the native community.
“I would suggest attending events or activities put on by tribal groups or members in the community so that they can learn more about our various tribes in the area and get to know the people of the various tribes,” said Matthews. “Attend powwows/war dances or other types of events put on by tribes or schools that show the cultural aspect of the tribes in the area. Read or learn about the local tribes where they are now and what the tribal organizations or governments are working on or doing. Most tribes and tribal organizations have social media to learn more about the tribes in the area.”
