Field Tours

Root Digging with Wenix

ARE YOU NEW TO GATHERING?

DO YOU WANT TO LEARN ABOUT ROOT DIGGING?

Come learn with Wenix Red Elk (CTUIR) on Friday May 8th. Wenix will be taking a group out into the field, teaching about the plants and sharing her knowledge. While this outing is designed for people new to digging, all are welcome! If you are a gatherer that would like to share teachings, please join us!

WHAT: Root Digging with Wenix

WHEN: Friday, May 8th, 9:30AM

WHERE: Meet at Wallowa Longhouse

CHESNIMNUS FIELD TOUR

Right in the middle of root digging weekend this year, we have a field trip! If you want to take a break from digging join us Saturday May 9th for a field tour of the Chesnimus (Sisnimmiks) Country.

The tour was cooked up by the Wallowa History Center and the Josephy Library. We have local old-timers who know this country well: Vic Coggins (retired ODFW wildlife biologist), David Weaver (Wallowa History Center), Rich Wandschneider (Josephy Library), and Bruce Womack (retired USFS archaeologist). We will visit campsites, root and game sites, a grove of cambion peeled trees, and stop for lunch at Buckhorn Lookout. Buckhorn overlooks the Imnaha country, and is about as gorgeous a viewpoint as there is in the country.

This will not be a high-pressure tour, but a chance to visit places used by Nez Perce people for thousands of years, time to take in the views and talk about how the sites were used, what was harvested, what game killed and used, why the cambion trees were stripped of their outer bark.

We know that we have at least two Nez Perce speakers on the trip, and welcome more. Our hope is that we can learn from each other, and “harvest” the years of experience of some local old-timers as we all learn about foods and places and their native names and stories. 

WHAT: Chesnimnus (Sisnimmiks) Field Tour

WHEN: Saturday May 9th, 9:30AM to 4:30PM

WHERE: Meet at the Wallowa Longhouse by 9:15AM, Depart at 9:30AM

Open to all Tribal members. Transportation available for up to 25 people. Additional spots available in private vehicles. Please sign up in advance at the Nez Perce Wallowa Longhouse. We will have snacks and drinks on hand, but please pack your lunch (available at the Longhouse).

Unable to attend? That is okay! We hope to host more trips later in the year, so let us know if you are interested, and any specific interests.