As of April 2010, the Lifelong Learning on Line modules are back on-line at:

Selected Video from the Lifelong Learning on Line - L3

the Schitsu'umsh (Coeur d'Alene) with  Lawrence Aripa, Felix Aripa and Cliff SiJohn,

the Nimíipuu (Nez Perce) with Clifford Allen, Horace Axtell, Cecil Carter, Josiah Pinkham, and Leroy Seth 

2001-2003

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All video streams are copyrighted to the Coeur d'Alene and Nez Perce Tribes and are to be used for educational purposes only.

See the Coeur d'Alene. and Nez Perce Cultural Property Rights agreements.


Cliff SiJohn on the History and Culture of the Schitsu'umsh

(interviewed and edited by Rodney Frey, August 2002)

The Lake  The place to begin an understanding of what it means to be Schitsu'umsh is with the Lake. Listen as Cliff SiJohn discusses the importance of the Lake Coeur d'Alene and water for the Schitsu'umsh, the "blood in our veins." Also discussed is the use of canoes to travel the water ways. 

The Lake cont Listen as Cliff continues discussing the importance of the lake and talks about an important "fish camp" near Tekoa where salmon were caught as they came up the Little Hangman Creek. It was a land of "abundance and the people flourished."

Gifts How the Tribe flourished before the changing of the Winds.

Jesuits Cliff considers some of the influences of the Jesuit Missionaries, Indian Agents and "Conquering Civilization" on the Schitsu'umsh, resulting in a "sad blanket" laid onto the people and "turning the culture inside out."

Jesuits cont. Cliff continues discussing the impact of the Jesuits, from the burning of the medicine bundles to the activities of the Soldiers of the Sacred Heart, the "Church police."

New Shirt  Cliff discusses how some Schitsu'umsh are making "new shirts" for themselves - learning how to survive in "two worlds," in the classroom setting and from the family, and how to "feel who they are."

Wounded  Cliff discusses the struggles of the "wounded" Schitsu'umsh and how to maintain your Indian identity.

Wounded cont Cliff continues discussing the challenges faced by the "wounded" Schitsu'umsh and how to heal the wounds. He also addresses the word, "squaw" and the role of teachers in helping the "wounded."

To Listen and Heart Knowledge Cliff considers the many ways of teaching, the importance of distinguishing "head" knowledge from "heart" knowledge, and the need to speak with both the mind and the heart. Cliff asks that you place yourself as a child before your grandfather and listen.

Heart Knowledge cont Cliff continues discussing the importance of speaking from the mind and the heart, and the role of the teacher. Cliff asks, "how do you measure the success of a person?"

True Heart Songs  Cliff considers "true heart songs" that come from the Sweat House and from the Animals

To Reach Out Listen as Cliff opens up his heart and asks: what really matters? Can you reach out and touch a "wounded" person? What is "true heart talk?"

True Heart Talk Cliff SiJohn concludes his "true heart talk" and stills his voice.


Clifford Allen tells of his family's experiences with smallpox.

Clifford Allen, tribal elder, tells of story of a mother and her son, and smallpox. Part 1 (Interviewed by Rodney Frey, November 2001)

Clifford Allen continues telling the story of smallpox. Part 2

Clifford Allen  Part 3

Clifford Allen concludes telling the story of a mother and her son, and smallpox. Part 4


On Subsistence Activities of the Schitsu'umsh and the Nimíipuu

Qwnu'lmkhw - Camas  Listen as Felix Aripa explains the significance of camas, with Raymond Brinkman, James Twoteeth and Kim Matheson. (recorded and edited by John Hartman on June 4, 2001 as part of the Coeur d'ALene Tribes GIS Names-Place Project)

Sqigwits - "Water Potato"  Digging for the Sqigwits - the Water Potato. Students from the Coeur d'Alene Tribal School and the University of Idaho join together in the mud along the shore of Chatcolet Lake (southern end of Lake Coeur d'Alene) to dig the water potato, on the annual Water Potato Day. Comments by Perry Kitt. (recorded by Rodney Frey, October 26, 2001)

Pattern Josiah Pinkham discusses the seasonal cycle. (interviewed and edited by Rodney Frey, 2001)

Tuukas Josiah Pinkham discusses the lessons associated with the use of the tuukas, digging stick.

Salmon Jack McCormack discusses the continuing role and importance of salmon for his family. (Interviewed by Dan Kane, September 2001) 

Celilo Falls Jack McCormack discusses the importance of salmon fishing and of trade with other tribes that occurred at Celilo Falls. When the Dalles Dam was constructed in 1957, the falls of Celilo were submerged under the newly formed lake. Nevertheless, Indians continue to live and fish at Celilo falls, and each April observe the annual First Salmon Feast.

Prep Josiah Pinkham discusses the more modern ways of preparing and storing the foods, and the need to take only what is needed.

Bag Josiah Pinkham discusses the making of traditional cornhusk bags and more modern yarn bags.

Bag Making Josiah Pinkham continues discussing what goes into the making of traditional cornhusk bags.

Cous Josiah Pinkham discusses the roles of men and women and importance of roots, such as qeqíit and qáaws, which can be made into capkíicey, "Indian cookies."

Grind Josiah Pinkham discusses the use of the píley (grinding stone) and use of powdered salmon and berry foods.

Arrow Josiah Pinkham discusses the making of arrow points, both stone and metal.

Bow Josiah Pinkham discusses the use of buffalo and mountain sheep horns for cups and in the making of the powerful hunting bows.

Tule Josiah Pinkham discusses the use of the tule reeds for ceremonial mats and the construction of lodges.

Horse Josiah Pinkham discusses the influence of the rifle and horse on buffalo hunting.

Mart Josiah Pinkham discusses the temúuheyqt (horse martingale) and the story of the Grizzly Bear beaded-design.

Issapt Josiah Pinkham discusses the process in making 'isáaptakay containers and their use on horse regalia and for trade. 

Material Josiah Pinkham reflects on the symbolism of material culture and the identity of being Nez Perce

Josiah Pinkham on Federal Law that Protects Cultural Heritage

 


On Family

Name Josiah Pinkham discusses the importance of your Indian name and on receiving his own Indian name, Tipyeléhne cimúx cimúx.

 

 


 On Oral Traditions of the Schitsu'umsh and the Nimíipuu

Preparing Cliff SiJohn helps prepare you for the oral traditions that are shared in this module. How can you best appreciate and listen for the meaning within the stories in this module? What does it mean to "sit back and open your heart up"? (originally developed as part of the 1993 Me-Y-Mi-Ym Project; recorded and edited by Dan Kane; project director Rodney Frey)

Preparing cont Cliff continues with your preparation for the oral traditions that are shared in this module. Why do the oral traditions offer you an indispensable and unique pathway into the lives and culture of the Schitsu'umsh people? What is to be learned from the stories?

Coyote and Rock Sitting along side Hangman Creek and near the Sweat House, listen as Lawrence Aripa tells of Coyote and the Rock Monster. In this oral tradition you will learn how much of the land was originally formed and how Lake Coeur d'Alene was given its unique color. (originally developed as part of the 1993 Me-Y-Mi-Ym Project; recorded and edited by Dan Kane; project director Rodney Frey)

Rock cont.  Lawrence concludes.

Four Smokes Listen as Lawrence Aripa shares one of his favorite's (two parts)

Coyote and the Field Listen as Lawrence Aripa tells of Coyote and the Green Field. Learn what can occur when you are too greedy, and seek the easy way.

Field cont Lawrence continues.

Field cont Lawrence concludes (not working).

Cliff Reflects Having listened to a couple of stories told by Lawrence, Cliff SiJohn now invites you to reflect on the seriousness of the oral traditions and on the "First Peoples" - "the messengers."

Reflections cont Cliff continues reflecting on the importance of the oral traditions as expressed in the stories of Four Smokes and of Coyote and the Rock. Cliff also considers the role of "Water," a gift from the First Peoples.

Coyote Cliff continues reflecting upon the importance of the oral traditions as expressed in the stories of Coyote and the White Man, and Coyote and the Green Field.

Concludes Cliff concludes as he reflects on the importance of the oral traditions, asking you to listen with your heart and, if you do, "you'll have clean hands."

 

Cecil  Cecil Carter demonstrates a Coyote story with sting (Interviewed by Josiah Pinkham and Harold Crook in November 2001)

Cecil in Lang Cecil Carter demonstrating Coyote Stories with string, told in Nimíipuutimptneewit (Nez Perce language) (Interviewed by Josiah Pinkham and Harold Crook in November 2001

Horace Axtell Horace Axtell tells of an account of the Coyote and the Monster story, told entirely in Nimíipuutimptneewit. Horace is using many "old time Nez Perce words," seldom heard today. An English translation is not offered here to encourage the youth to learn the language in order to appreciate this important story. For an English telling of this story, see the next video streams. (Interviewed by Josiah Pinkham March 2002)

Horace Horace Axtell tells of an account of the Coyote and Monster, and the origin of Hells Canyon and Seven Devils mountains. Part 1. (Interviewed by Josiah Pinkham March 2002)

Horace cont Horace continues telling of the Coyote and Monster, and the creation of the various peoples, including the Nimíipuu. Part 2.


On Song and the Powwow of the Schitsu'umsh and the Nimíipuu

Art Josiah Pinkham on Nez Perce powwow regalia

Leroy Seth on Nez Perce Anthem

Leroy on Duck and Dive

Leroy on Humor

Leroy Mud Bath

Leroy Old

Leroy on Powwow

Leroy on Sweat

Leroy on Unique

Cold

Crow Hop

Flag

Owl Dance

Redtail Drum

Prairie Chicken Dance

Honoring the Vets

Team Dancing

Women Traditional

Youngest

Kids Dancing

Grand Entry

Intertribal

Jingle Dance

Retire

Julyamsh Prep Listen and observe some of the sights and sounds that take place during the preparations and the opening of July-amsh 2000. Included is discussion on some of the meaning of the markings placed on horses and images from the opening horse parade. (The video clips on Julyamsh were developed as part of the video entitled, "July-amsh Powwow." Written and directed by Christina Crawford, the videography and editing was done by Jim Swoboda. David Matheson was then the July-amsh Powwow Director. Special thanks go to the Coeur d'Alene Casino and Ward Stout - Stoud Flute. "July-amsh Powwow" was produced by I.L.F. Media Productions. The project was funded by the Idaho Travel Council and completed in 2000. Thanks to Christina Crawford for allowing us to use this video.)

Julyamsh Welcome Listen as Dave Matheson, Powwow Director and CEO of the Coeur d'Alene Tribe's Gaming Enterprise, welcomes all to July-amsh 2000.

Julyamsh Grand Entry Led by the Flag Bearers, witness the "dignity" of the dancers as they enter the dance area during the Grand Entry. Notice the "Indian Flag," with its Eagle Feathers attached to it. The voice of Dale Old Horn, Crow, is heard throughout, as he is the emcee for the powwow.

Julyamsh Song and Drum Listen first as Cliff SiJohn explains some of the significance of the songs, and what the members of drum groups need to know. Then listen to the Northern Cree drum.

Julyamsh Songs cont Continue listening as Cliff relates the meaning of the songs and what one needs to know. Then listen to the Southern Cree drum.

Songs cont Cliff continues discussing what the singers need to know, and then listen to the Redtail Singers, a Nez Perce drum.

Flute In addition to the song and dance, July-amsh hosts one of the largest Indian art exhibits and auctions in the region. In this clip you can also listen as Ward Stout explains the significance and demonstrates the use of the Indian Flute. Cliff SiJohn is the auctioneer.

Julyamsh Dance Cliff explains what a dancer must know to keep time with the singers and the emergence of "competitive" dancing. "They must float when they dance." In this video clip you will also see Women's Traditional and Women's Jungle Dances.

Dance cont  Cliff continues discussing what dancers must know. In this video clip you will also see Men's Fancy and Men's Grass Dances.

 

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All materials are copyrighted to the Coeur d'Alene and Nez Perce Tribes