Pacific Northwest, 1877. Chief Joseph of the Nez Perce tribe prepares to move his people to a reservation in Northern Idaho. It was not his wish to do so, but the pressure of controversial treaties signed a decade earlier pushes him to do what he believes will keep his people safe. Several young braves of his tribe destroy this hope. In a midnight raid, they massacre a group of settlers and prospectors. Fearing that the fury of the U.S. Cavalry would descend on his entire people, Chief Joseph changes his plan. He collected 700 of his tribe and set a plan for retreat to Canada. The 1000-mile trek ended 15 miles from the Canadian border. After defeating and evading the greatly superior forces of the U.S. Cavalry for three months, Chief Joseph surrendered with the words, "From where the sun now stands, I will fight no more." A gentle man of deep religious faith, Chief Joseph earned the honor and respect of the Cavalry for his humane treatment of all prisoners and settlers... |