Nez Perce Indian Nation members will soon present a traditional memorial ceremony. This is the 21st year for the Chief Redheart Memorial Ceremony, which will take place at the Fort Vancouver National Historic Site.
The Nez Perce Nation works with The Historic Trust, the City of Vancouver, and the National Park Service to present the ceremony, which honors tribal ancestors and their ideals, and the tribe's history.
The event commemorates an event that took place in 1877 during the Nez Perce War, when U.S. Army General O.O. Howard directed the members of the band led by Chief Redheart should be captured. They were imprisoned in Fort Vancouver during the winter of 1877-1878.
The ceremony includes speeches, singing, an empty-saddle ceremony known as the Riderless Horse, and passing the peace pipe. The Nez Perce invite all veterans of the U.S. Military to join the circle.
Meals on Wheels will provide food for the event, and free parking can be found on 5th Street. For those who would like to enjoy traditional Native American cooking, a meal is planned after the ceremony at the Bow and Arrow Culture Club at the Artillery Barracks near the fort.
The ceremony starts at 10:00 am on April 21. Although the event is free for everyone to enjoy, any donations are welcome.
Events like this can be even more interesting if organizers work with a flyer printing company to create a handout explaining the history and traditions being celebrated.
