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people "as you keep animals in a corral?" In
the end it was to no avail.
Finally, after seven years in the "hot coun-
try" of Oklahoma, the 268 remaining Nez
Perce, numbers decimated by disease, squa-
lor, and neglect, were allowed back to the
Northwest. About half were allowed back
to Idaho, but not Joseph. He and the other
remaining Nez Perce were relocated to the
Colville Reservation in northeastern Wash-
ington. He passed away in 1904 and is buried
there.
He is credited with saying: "I believe
much trouble and blood would be saved if
we opened our hearts more." A sentiment
that rings as true today as it did in 1877.
"FROM WHERE THE SUN NOW STANDS,
I WILL FIGHT NO MORE FOREVER." - CHIEF JOSEPH
Chief Joseph's Teepee Site,
Bear Paw National Battlefield
DOUG STEVENS (5)
