News Release

Washington, DC – Noted Nez Perce Tribal historian, writer, language preservationist, storyteller and cultural expert Horace Axtell will be honored by Idaho Senator Mike Crapo next week. Axtell, a respected Tribal elder, musician and drum maker, was recently awarded a national heritage fellowship from the National Endowment for the Arts. He was among ten recipients earning the national award.

Crapo recognized Axtell in a Congressional Record Statement for the NEA fellowship, along with the many cultural contributions he has made to preserve Tribal heritage. Axtell has written a book of his memoirs, the first of its kind from a Nez Perce elder in more than 50 years. He spent his youth learning from elders who had survived the 1877 War resulting from President Ulysses Grant’s attempts to clear the Nez Perce homeland. Axtell will travel to Washington, D.C., next month as part of the NEA fellowship honors.

During his visit to the area, Crapo will also tour the new VA Veterans Outpatient facilities while in Lewiston and speak with Lewiston Chamber of Commerce leaders.

Wednesday, August 13th

9:45 a.m. Lapwai Present Congressional Record Statement to Nez Perce Tribal elder Horace Axtell and his wife, Andrea. At the Nez Perce Tribal Offices, 100 Agency Road

10:45 a.m. Lewiston Tour VA Outpatient Clinic, 1630 23rd Avenue, Suites 302 and 401

1:00 p.m. Lewiston Present Congressional Record Statements to Benjamin Allen, Kyle
Conger and James Walker for their advocacy work to prevent teen dating violence. At Crapo’s Regional Offices, 313 D. Street