The Nez Perce Tribal Flag
The following is a written description of the Nez Perce Flag and
its origins. This document was written in the summer of 1990, by the
NPTEC.
"The Tribal Flag has long been an
important priority of the Nez Perce Tribe. The Flag does provide a symbol
of sovereignty and perhaps; more importantly, of SURVIVAL! There are many
Tribal Members who have supported the concept of a Tribal Flag, both past and
present. The design of the Flag, however became more important due
to an amendment to the Constitution of the Nez Perce Tribe. The Amendment
adopted in May, 1983 changed the name from the "Nez Perce Tribe of Idaho" to the
"Nez Perce Tribe". As a result the "Logo" required to be changed.
A contest was held on the date of
November, 1983 to determine the new "Logo". Various local artists did
submit their conceptions of the Logo. The present Logo was selected from
the work as presented by John Conner. The official Tribal seal using the
Logo was commissioned on the date of October, 1986.
Once the Logo was developed and
approved, the Tribal Flag became a more pressing concern. The first design
concept was reviewed by the Budget and Finance Sub-Committee in the Fiscal year
1988. The Tribe was also preparing to meet the deadline of the 1990 Idaho
Centennial to develop the Flag.
The first design was submitted to the
Budget and Finance Sub-committee in the month of September, 1989. The
design was prepared by Gordon Bennett (DOB 10-30-55), an employee of the
Forestry Department. The design incorporated the Tribal Logo and 1863
Reservation Boundaries. The 3 basic colors were red, yellow and black.
After much discussion it was decided that the 3 colors would remain the same,
with red as the field.
The first prototype was developed in
time for the Idaho Centennial at Boise, ID during July 1990. The first
flag that is currently being dedicated was sewn by the "Cut N Sew" Enterprise of
the Coeur d' Alene Tribe."
As a part of the above document, in a hand written form.
Written by NPTEC in April of 1991. The after thought is as follows:
"The Tribal Flag has been displayed
during the NCAI during the month of November, 1991 as well during other
functions of the Nez Perce Tribe. Thus, it is very appropriate that the
Flag is being dedicated during this day."
The Nez Perce Tribal Flag was dedicated on April 13, 1991 at the
Pi-Nee-Waus Gym.
At the dedication ceremony NPTEC chairman, Charles H. Hayes
"Pete" gave the welcoming and the dedication.
Charles H. Hayes "Pete":
"Welcome! Today is a very special day in the
history of the Nez Perce Tribe. Today we have the honor of dedicating our
Tribal Flag and officially placing it for display among the many proud flags of
this country."
"At this time I would like to call upon
Mike Penney, who was very instrumental in the flags creation, to provide a brief
historical overview of this flag."
(Mike Penny gives the historical overview - this speech was
not officially recorded)
Chairman Pete:
"Would VFW Post 10933 advance the
colors?"
Post Commander:
"Color guard ... Attention!
Right Shoulder ... Arms! Nez Perce Drum ... Flag song please."
(Flag song and advancing of the colors)
Chairman Pete:
"I would like to call up Connie Evans
to assist me with the unfurling and display of the Tribal Flag."
(Color bearer lowers the Tribal Flag. Chairman Pete and
Connie Evans each grasp a corner while color bearer turns the pike unfurling
flag for display.)
Post Commander:
"Color Guard ... Present Arms!"
Chairman Pete:
"It is hereby declared that this banner shall, from
this day forward, be recognized as the official flag of the Nez Perce Tribe.
It shall be the emblem of all who have faithfully served this Tribe. Those
living today, those who have preceded us, and especially those who gave their
lives for their Tribe and country. May it always fly proudly and free."
Back to main history page
Nez Perce Tribe Information Systems Department.
Copyright © 2009 Nez Perce Tribe. All rights reserved.
Revised: August 04, 2010
.