Journey the Sacred Waters with Nimiipuu Guides
Experience the beauty and living history of Nimiipuu (Nez Perce) homelands on a 3-hour Heart Beat of the People Tour or a 2-hour Jet Boat Tour. Guided by Nimiipuu hosts, your journey begins at the confluence of the Clearwater and Snake rivers, where you’ll be welcomed into the stories, traditions, and sacred significance of this remarkable place.
Cruise along the two rivers, spotting wildlife and visiting ancient Nimiipuu petroglyphs while capturing breathtaking photos of the landscape. Some tours also include stops at important historical sites such as the Lewis and Clark Discovery Center (fees apply), adding depth to your exploration.
More than a sightseeing trip, this is a chance to connect through song, dance, drum, or storytelling, led by the Nimiipuu people themselves. Whether you choose the 3-hour Celebrate & Honor Tour or a shorter jet boat adventure, you’ll leave with lasting memories and a deeper appreciation for the rivers, lands, and culture of the Nimiipuu.
Why Choose This Tour?
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Trip Details
Trip Details
Price
$750
Meeting point/drop-off point
Lewiston, Idaho
Availability
May 15th – Oct 15th
Duration
3 Days 2 Nights
Group Size
1-9
Included
- Accommodations
- Transportation
Itinerary
1. Jet Boat Tour
Join Nimiipuu (Nez Perce) guide(s) on a 4-hour jet boat trip up the Snake River within the Nimiipuu homeland.
Experience the places our ancestors call home and learn the importance of simíinekem (sim-me-neck-em),
where the waters meet. Gain insight into the power place of the Nimiipuu and the sacred teachings of our waters.
Hear legends of our people and visit the ancient petroglyphs along the rocks of Buffalo Eddy.
This tour is designed to be educational and transformational, as the sacred landscape and voices of our ancestors
echo throughout your visit.
2. Traditional Dance
Begin with a traditional Nimiipuu (Nez Perce) welcome, honoring cultural values in an authentic and respectful way.
Enjoy a grand entry of dancers, drumming, and singing. Each style of dance will be demonstrated and explained.
You’ll also have the chance to join in a round dance (also called the Circle or Friendship Dance), sharing
live history, celebration, and entertainment with audience participation. Don’t forget to shop native
to memorialize your experience with the people whose homeland and waters you are visiting.
3. Horse Ride
Experience the powerful connection between the Appaloosa horse and the Nez Perce people.
Guided by experienced wranglers, learn the history of Nimiipuu horse culture. Whether it’s your first ride or you’re
a seasoned rider, we have the perfect Appaloosa for you. This tour includes a 90-minute presentation
at the Nez Perce National Historical Park.
4. Land Excursion: A Day with the Nimiipuu
Immerse yourself in the landscapes and oral history of the Nimiipuu (Nez Perce). Journey through the homeland
where coyote stories pass down the oldest values of compassion, respect, and reciprocity.
Travel along the Snake River to Buffalo Eddy in Hells Canyon, North America’s deepest river gorge,
and witness 8,000-year-old petroglyphs. Participate in a welcome ceremony for personal reflection,
then continue to the Lewis and Clark Discovery Center, where the Corps of Discovery first experienced
Nimiipuu hospitality in 1804.
