LA GRANDE — The Nez Perce historical exhibit is leaving Eastern Oregon University in La Grande for Blue Mountain Community College in Pendleton following the winter break.

Winter term for EOU and BMCC begins Jan. 6.

“The Nez Perce in Oregon: Removal and Return” sheds light on the resilience and history of the Nez Perce people (Nimiipuu), whose ancestral roots stretch back more than 16,000 years, according to recent archeological findings at Coopers Ferry on the Salmon River.

Visitors to the exhibit journey through the Nez Perce’s story, from early interactions with Lewis and Clark to the forced treaties and land losses that led to displacement, as well as the cultural suppression they endured through boarding schools and assimilation policies. Despite these hardships, the exhibit celebrates the enduring spirit of the Nez Perce and their growing influence, especially in Oregon’s Wallowa region.

The Josephy Center for Arts & Culture in Joseph received a grant from the Oregon State Capitol Foundation to create “The Nez Perce in Oregon,” which has made stops at the Josephy Center, Wallowa Memorial Hospital and the Wallowa History Center.

The exhibit will culminate in 2025 at the Oregon Capitol in Salem, where it will be on display to the public.

For more information about the exhibit or upcoming locations, contact the Josephy Center for Arts & Culture.

The Josephy Center for Arts & Culture, in Joseph, is dedicated to promoting the arts, history and culture of Wallowa County and the Nez Perce people. Through educational programs and exhibits, the center honors the region’s rich heritage and fosters a deeper understanding of its history.