by Gail Praharenka and Bernice Niemeyer
In history there are some narratives that need to be told of a quest for freedom and of heroism which indelibly remain etched in our minds. These are true stories capturing the imagination with a blend of politics, crises and causes to fight.
Such is the crisis of the Nez Perce people and their flight on their Appaloosa horses to escape the onslaught of the US Army in the summer of 1877. The last battle fought was at Bear’s Paw in Montana where Chief Joseph surrendered 40 miles from the Canadian border with the famous words, “I will fight no more forever!”
However, the story did not end there as Chief White Bird and other Nez Perce did cross into Canada to seek sanctuary at Sitting Bull’s camp in Saskatchewan. The Northwest Mounted Police became involved to broker peace with the group.
The famous meeting between Sitting Bull, Major Macleod, and Major Walsh of the NWMP and the U.S. General, Alfred H. Terry, was held in the officer’s quarters at Fort Walsh in the Cypress Hills of Saskatchewan.
This little known part of our western heritage is responsible for the introduction of the Appaloosa horse into Canada.
The Nez Perce people were founders of the Appaloosa breed and are noted as being the only First Nations tribe to practice a selective breeding program to improve the breed’s stamina, speed, and temperament. The success the Nez Perce had through this ordeal in staying ahead of the US Army was a testament to the Appaloosa breed’s attributes: its power of endurance and its strength.
To honour the last chapter of the remarkable journey of the Nez Perce people on their Appaloosa horses, the Appaloosa Horse Club of Canada, with valuable contributions from the Nez Perce Appaloosa Horse Club in the United States and from the Nez Perce Trail Foundation of America, is hosting the third annual 2007 Nez Perce Ride to Freedom from June 28 to July 2.
This three-day gathering and trail ride will be headquartered at the scenic historic Reesor Ranch bordering the edge of Cypress Hills Provincial Park. Scott and Theresa Reesor and their family provide a magical experience steeped in the history of the area with fabulous food and fun entertainment. There will be day rides into the spectacular Cypress Hills.
On Canada Day the commemorative ride into the Fort Walsh National Historic site will take place. Expected arrival time of the riders is around noon for those who wish to view the drama of this historical event.
The staff of the fort, dressed in period costumes, provide an informative and moving historical re-enactment of some of the drama of the era. While some riders are engrossed in the story, others might be found guilty of “crimes” before the courts and have to plead their case.
If you wish to see history in the making come out to meet the riders as they travel into Fort Walsh around noon on Sunday, July 1.
For more information, you can contact Ride Coordinator Gail Praharenka at (780) 663-3470, email: rencogeneral@hotmail. com or visit the Appaloosa Horse Club of Canada website at www.ap paloosa.ca or the Historic Reesor Ranch website at www.reesorranch.com.
