Chief Joseph (Hin-mah-too-yah-lat-kekt)

Chief Joseph, born Hin-mah-too-yah-lat-kekt, was a leader of the Nez Perce Tribe in the late 1800s. Renowned for his intelligence and integrity, he fiercely resisted efforts to force his people onto reservations, advocating for their rights and freedom. In 1877, he led a daring and lengthy journey—moving his people away from U.S. Army forces in an attempt to seek freedom in Canada. Though ultimately unsuccessful, his leadership and speeches highlighted the struggles of Native Americans confronting displacement and loss of their lands. Chief Joseph remains a symbol of resistance and advocacy for Indigenous rights.