Nimiipuu

Appearance
Nimiipuu is a bay appaloosa stallion. Midway through his flanks, his bay coloring fades to a creamy white where his blanket is, which is spotted with bay and black. He has a white stripe down his face. He has a black mane and tail, and wears feathers in his mane, and his face and legs are painted with white bands.

Personality
Nimiipuu is a wise stallion. He tries to share his wisdom with others.

Horse
Unlike other horses in the Native Lights series, Nimiipuu does not have an animal friend, but rather a companion. This companion is himself.

The Name Game
The tribe that influenced this steed are located in the Columbia River Plateau of the Pacific Northwest U.S., primarily Idaho. Also known as the Nez Perce tribe, meaning “pierced nose” in French. The Nez Perce tribe did not pierce their noses—that was the Chinook tribe. This confusion was caused by a mistake made by interpreters for the Lewis and Clark Expedition in 1805.

The traditional homeland of the tribe included the areas surrounding the Snake and Salmon Rivers. They fished and hunted, traveling with the seasons. In the face of U.S. expansion, the Nez Perce fought to retain their identity. In 1877 they trekked north toward refuge in Canada, but finally surrendered due to starvation and disease.

Chief Joseph is probably the most notable Nez Perce. His statement as he surrendered to federal soldiers is quite famous. “Hear me, my chiefs, I am tired. My heart is sick and sad. From where the sun now stands, I will fight no more forever.”

The Nez Perce are renowned horse breeders, and have developed their own stock by crossbreeding the Appaloosa with the central Asian Akhal-Teke. The tribal lands today consist of a reservation located in northern Idaho. Actress Elaine Miles, known for her role on Northern Exposure, and who narrates the tribal stories for this site, is Nez Perce.

Gallery
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