"The epic struggle of the Nez Perce Native Americans to retain their beloved homeland is a saga of dishonor in this nation's history. The Wallowa band was expelled from the Wallowa Valley of Oregon in 1877, when U.S. Army Gen. Oliver Howard and his cavalry pursued them 1,500 miles. Chief Joseph's surrender speech stirs us more than a century later: "My heart is sick and sad. ... From where the sun now stands, I shall fight no more forever."

This shameful past has never been set right. Now the commissioners of Wallowa County confront a proposal to allow a subdivision of trophy homes next to the grave of Chief Joseph's father, Old Joseph. The proposal shocks the conscience. "

Get the Story:
Mary Christina Wood: Trophy-home proposal dishonors the Nez Perce (The Seattle Times 2/12)

Relevant Links:
Nez Perce Tribe - http://www.nezperce.org

Related Stories:
Debate continues on housing near Nez Perce gravesite (02/05)
Nez Perce gravesite threatened by development (2/2)
Appeals seek to protect Old Chief Joseph's grave (01/08)
Developer wants to build near Old Chief Joseph's grave (12/12)