35:58 Lena: Jackson, as we think about the Nez Perce story and what it means today, what strikes you most about their journey from the horse culture of the 1700s to the modern tribal nation of today?
36:09 Jackson: What's most remarkable to me is how they've maintained their core identity while adapting to radically different circumstances. The values that made them successful as horse traders and salmon fishers—innovation, resilience, environmental stewardship, strong family bonds—are the same values driving their success today.
36:30 Lena: It sounds like they've found a way to be both traditional and modern simultaneously.
2:08 Jackson: Exactly. They understand that culture isn't a museum piece—it's a living thing that has to evolve to survive. So they're teaching their children traditional skills like beadwork and horse training, but they're also encouraging them to become engineers and lawyers and teachers.
36:51 Lena: What can the rest of us learn from the Nez Perce experience?
36:55 Jackson: I think there are several powerful lessons. First, the importance of maintaining cultural identity even under extreme pressure. The Nez Perce never gave up on who they were, even during the darkest periods of their history.
37:10 Lena: That takes incredible strength and vision.
37:12 Jackson: It does. And second, I think their approach to environmental stewardship is increasingly relevant as we face climate change and environmental degradation. The Nez Perce understanding of humans as part of nature, not separate from it, offers important insights for how we might live more sustainably.
37:31 Lena: Their salmon restoration work seems like a perfect example of that.
37:36 Jackson: It is. They're not just trying to bring back fish—they're trying to restore entire ecosystems. And they're doing it through collaboration, bringing together diverse stakeholders around shared goals. That's a model that could be applied to many environmental challenges.
37:51 Lena: What about their approach to governance and community decision-making?
37:55 Jackson: That's another area where they offer valuable insights. Traditional Nez Perce governance emphasized consensus-building and considering the impact of decisions on future generations. These principles are reflected in how the modern tribal government operates.
38:10 Lena: Speaking of future generations, what do you see as the biggest challenges and opportunities facing the Nez Perce today?
38:19 Jackson: Language preservation is probably the biggest challenge. With fewer than 100 fluent speakers, mostly elderly, there's a real race against time to pass the language on to younger generations. But there's also tremendous opportunity in the growing interest among young people in reclaiming their heritage.
38:36 Lena: And what about opportunities?
38:38 Jackson: I think the growing recognition of Indigenous knowledge and perspectives creates opportunities for the Nez Perce to share their wisdom more broadly. Whether it's environmental management, sustainable agriculture, or community governance, there's increasing interest in learning from tribal nations.
38:55 Lena: How can non-Native people best support the Nez Perce and other tribal nations today?
39:00 Jackson: First, by learning accurate history. Too many people still have romanticized or completely incorrect ideas about Native American history and contemporary life. Second, by supporting tribal sovereignty and treaty rights. These aren't special privileges—they're legal obligations based on nation-to-nation relationships.
39:19 Lena: What else?
39:19 Jackson: Supporting Native-owned businesses, advocating for Indigenous rights, and listening to tribal voices on issues affecting their communities. And for those in the Pacific Northwest specifically, supporting salmon restoration efforts that benefit everyone.
39:32 Lena: The salmon really do seem to be a connecting thread through this entire story.
39:37 Jackson: They are. From the ancient fishing sites to modern restoration efforts, salmon represent the Nez Perce relationship with their homeland. As one tribal elder put it, "When the salmon return, we return." It's about healing the land and healing the people together.
39:52 Lena: That's beautiful. And it seems like that healing is ongoing.
37:36 Jackson: It is. The Nez Perce story isn't a tragedy—it's a story of survival, adaptation, and renewal. Yes, they've faced incredible challenges and losses. But they're still here, still maintaining their culture, still contributing to their communities and the broader world.
40:12 Lena: So as we wrap things up, what's the most important thing you want our listeners to remember about the Nez Perce?
40:18 Jackson: That they're not just a historical curiosity or a symbol of the "vanishing Indian." They're a living, dynamic people who have successfully navigated centuries of change while maintaining their essential identity. Their story offers hope and inspiration for how communities can preserve what matters most while embracing positive change.
40:38 Lena: And their legacy extends far beyond their own community.
0:42 Jackson: Absolutely. From the Appaloosa horses grazing in pastures across America to the environmental restoration projects protecting our rivers, from the principles of sustainable living to the power of cultural resilience—the Nez Perce have given gifts to all of us.
40:56 Lena: Jackson, thank you for taking us on this incredible journey through Nez Perce history and culture. To everyone who's been listening, we hope this conversation has given you a deeper appreciation for the rich heritage and continuing contributions of the Nimíipuu people. We'd love to hear your thoughts and reflections—you can reach us through our website or social media. Until next time, keep exploring, keep learning, and keep those conversations going.