ANTH 2460 (Section 90) ANTH Field Studies: Nez Perce History - ”Nez Perce Triumph at Clarks Fork Canyon”
Instructor:
Stan Hoggatt
Phone: 406/690-7303 Monday through Saturday 8:00 AM to 7:00
E-mail: stan@nezperce.com (24/7)
Catalog course description:
explores the significance of the Nez Perce (NiMiiPuu) triumph over the combined forces of General O.O. Howard, Colonel Sturgis,
Colonel Merritt, Major Hart, and other field commanders sent to the Yellowstone Theatre to destroy the NiMiiPuu. Following a series of stunning military defeats by the NiMiiPuu, the forces commanded by General O.O. Howard were determined to trap the NiMiiPuu in Yellowstone with an elaborate pincer movement. General of the Army, General Sheridan, attempted to replace General Howard while in Yellowstone after a series of defeats in major battles at the hands of the NiMiiPuu. General Sherman had lost confidence in General Howard; and in a series of orders without consultation with General Howard or without his knowledge, dispatched a number of additional commands to the front to provide additional resources to assure the government a military victory over the NiMiiPuu. A total of 1900 combat soldiers had been dispatched against a force of less than 150 warriors and 650 women and children, many of whom were wounded or in grave condition.
The NiMiiPuu denied the combined force victory. The determination, courage, and skills of the NiMiiPuu mirrored the determination and moral conviction of the NiMiiPuu leaders including Chief Looking Glass, Chief Ollocott, Chief Lean Elk, and Chief Too hool hool zote. None, however, stand above Chief Joseph (Young Joseph). It is difficult to grasp the importance and significance of his leadership through the Yellowstone Plateau without examining Young Joseph’s roots, his convictions and his principles. We begin the examination by looking at his childhood and his ascendancy to his father’s (Old Joseph) role as leader of the Wallowa NiMiiPuu. We then consider Young Joseph’s diplomatic efforts to force settlers out of the Wallowas. His diplomatic efforts began with a direct confrontation of the settlers, followed by a series of Council meetings with numerous government officials until Joseph reached the ultimate decision maker - President Ulysses S. Grant. We will consider how his success played a factor in bringing about the Nez Perce War of 1877 and why the military under the command of General Sherman was determined to defeat this exceptional Native American Leader, if not destroy him.
Physical Requirements & Student Gear:
Students will be required to participate in the field trip program in order to receive course credit. Several of the field trip hikes require that the student be in good physical condition. Each student should arrive at the A. L. Mickelson Field Station in Sunlight Basin, Wyoming with a back pack, water bottle, rain gear, and comfortable hiking shoes.
Course Outcome:
Each student should develop a sense of appreciation and respect for the determination of the NiMiiPuu to protect their Ancestral Lands from the European flood stretching across the American West. The combined classroom presentations, field trip activities as well as a first-hand look at the Treaties of 1855 & 1863 will help contribute to a better understanding of the NiMiiPuu.
Semester, Year & Credit:
Summer Semester 2 credits, August 9th through the 12th (THFSSU) at the Mickelson Field Station 8:00am – 8pm.
Coursework & Materials:
Upon registration, each student will be provided or sent a copy of the Nez Perce Treaty of 1855 and 1863 for advance class preparation. It is recommended that each student purchase for reference and use the CD “NiMiiPuu Traverse the Yellowstone Plateau” by Stan Hoggatt. The CD is not required, and students will find copies at the Northwest Community College Library and the Buffalo
Bill Historical Center, in Cody, Wyoming, for their use. The purchase price of “NiMiiPuu Traverse the Yellowstone Plateau” is $ 275 which includes the CD as well as a large color map (48" X 33") or two smaller maps (32" x 22") provinding the same information found on the single larger map. The maps show the NiMiiPuu routes from Pelican Valley in Yellowstone Park through their exit at the Clarks Fork Canyon. The large Map is best used in a classroom display on a wall. The two smaller maps accomplish the same thing but require less physical space. They are also better suited for framing for use in the home or office (map snapshots can be viewed on website (www.nezperce.com) by clicking on catalog section of website.
The CD is an electronic textbook and it includes 4 separate classroom slide programs with interpretive notes by Stan Hoggatt for each slide as appropriate plus a research appendix with over 35 historical documents for reference or research. The system incorporates an SQL database search engine enabling students to search on indexed words or phrases. A separate Master Index is provided for quick access to indexed records within the database.
A suggested reading list of books and other resource material will also be provided each student upon registration either at registration or by mail. The reading list will be broken out into recommended reading materials and suggested reading materials.
Class Schedule/Activities:
Thursday August 9, 2007
Morning:
Students will check in at the A.L. Mickelson Field Station, Sunlight Basin, Wyoming, get unpacked and familiarize themselves with facilities.
Afternoon:
”Pack it In Pack it Out” 3 hour roundtrip backpack hike up Lodge Pole Creek (“Old Trappers Trail”). Hikers will be sensitized to ways they can help preserve our trails and wilderness areas.
Evening:
Class from 6:30-8:30 PM with 15 minute break.
“Young Joseph’s Diplomacy and Leadership”
Friday August 10, 2007
Morning & Afternoon:
Caravan (Car & Van) field trip. Students will visit important NiMiiPuu and military sites with instructor with interpretive presentations by instructor. Students will first visit NiMiiPuu Campsite at Crandall Creek. From there, they will move to NiMiiPuu Campsite at Trail Creek Meadows followed by stops at Shoshone Ranger Station, and White Mountain. Students will have their sack lunch at Dead Indian Campsite near Dead Indian Trail Head. After lunch they will return to trail and stop at General Howard’s campsite. From that campsite, they will hike over Emily’s Gap and stop at the Dead Indian Trail Head.
Evening:
Class from 6:30-8:30 PM with 15 minute Break
“Young Joseph’s Diplomacy and Leadership”
Saturday August 11, 2007
Morning:
Blessing & Pipe Ceremony Led by Horace Axtell of the Nez Perce Tribe along with other Nez Perce leaders. Students may participate in Pipe Ceremony (no photographs can be taken during certain parts of the ceremony-students will be made aware of those instances).
Afternoon:
Caravan (Car & Van) field trip. Students will visit NiMiiPuu Campsite at Dead Indian Hill Summit with
instructor and consider Nez Perce activities at the summit in generalized manner (evening class will provide students with detailed analysis of summit activities).
Evening:
Class from 6:30-8:30 PM with 15 minute Break
“NiMiiPuu Triumph” at Clarks Fork Canyon”
Sunday August 12, 2007
Morning:
Class?Question & Answer Session
Students are discouraged from asking questions during earlier class programs in order to enable instructor to cover all the desired material. Students are encouraged to take notes with their questions during earlier class programs.
Afternoon:
4 hour roundtrip hike from Shoshone National Forest Trail Head near Dead Indian Campground to “Table Top” at confluence of Dead Indian Gulch and “Old Game Trail” leading to the bottom of the Clarks Fork Canyon.
Research Paper Required:
Each student will complete a research paper on the legality of the Treaty of 1863 and comment on Young
Joseph’s claim that the “Treaty was fraudulent.” At least three source references are required (may use student’s copy of the Treaty of 1863) with appropriate footnotes. The paper must be a minimum of 4 double spaced pages in length.
Students will be graded with a letter grade A through F on the logic of their arguments, their grammar as well as syntax and not the merits of their answer to the question, “Was the Treaty of 1863 fraudulent” as claimed by Joseph.
Each research paper must be submitted by August 24th, 2007, in a PDF file format by E-mail to the instructor at:
stan@nezperce.com
Students should work independently of each other and may consult with the instructor by phone or E-mail for
assistance and guidance.
Grades Posted:
Grades will be posted in accordance with the policies and procedures of Northwest College no later than September 15th.
