Bear Paw Battlefield memorial is Saturday

The Nez Perce Indians and the National Park Service this weekend will commemorate the warriors — native and U.S. government — who died at the Battle of the Bear Paws in 1879.

The battlefield, off Montana Highway 240, 15 miles south of Chinook, was the location of the battle that ended with the Nez Perce defeat Oct. 5, 1877. It is today a national historic park.

The battle marked the end of a 1,000-mile journey for the Nez Perce who had hoped to get 40 miles farther into Canada.

After that battle, Chief Joseph gave his speech that concluded “I am tired; my heart is sick and sad. From where the sun now stands I will fight no more forever.”

On the 100th anniversary, the Nez Perce and the National Park Service agreed to have a special service marking the centennial, said Wilfred Scott, who coordinates the events for the Nez Perce.

They agreed to hold thereafter an annual commemoration on the Saturday closest to Oct. 5.

They will have ceremonies at 10 a.m. Saturday, and Scott said he hopes there will be a big turnout of people — Native and white — to honor those who died in the bloody battle.

He said the ceremonies open with what they call an empty saddle program, the riderless horse, intended to honor the deceased.

That will be followed by a pipe ceremony, he said.

The event is meaningful to Nez Perce, he said. Many tribal members make the journey from the reservation in western Idaho for the ceremonies. They appreciate the historical value of the program, but it is especially meaningful for people to know that their direct ancestors took part in the battle.

“There are many who have stories that have been passed down through the generations,” he said.