Chief Joseph Biography

Chief Joseph was the leader of the Wallowa band of Nez Perce tribe in Oregon, U.S. who received international media coverage for his daring attempt to lead his followers to Canada when the U.S. government tried to force his tribe to move to a reservation. His father Chief Joseph the Elder had tried his best to maintain cordial relations with the whites. He had even converted to Christianity and had taken up the Christian name ‘Joseph’ which he shared with his son. He had signed a treaty with the U.S. government that promised millions of acres of land to the Nez Perce tribes. But by the time his father died and Chief Joseph took over the reins of leadership, the relations between the government and the natives had become increasingly turbulent. When the government tried to forcibly remove the tribes from their motherland and relocate to a reservation, he led his followers on a march towards Canada. They were relentlessly pursued by the U.S. Army in what came to be known as the Nez Perce War. Chief Joseph, along with other tribal leaders, led the warriors in an incredible display of courage and fortitude against the U.S. Army. However, after their resources were exhausted and the number of warriors had dwindled, Chief Joseph had no other option but to surrender.