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The following lots are an archive of photographs pertaining to Chief Joseph and his exile band of Nez Perce.Removed from their homeland in Oregon and Idaho, to which they longed to return, the Nez Perce under Chief Joseph were exiled to the Colville Reservation in Washington. Barnett and Dema Stillwell were schoolteachers at Nespelem on the Reservation from 1897 – 1901. Their young daughters Ada and Emma attended the school along with the Indians. The 10-year old Ada learned the Sahaptian language of her schoolmates, and served as an interpreter for Chief Joseph, who favored her with his friendship. She interpreted as well for Professor Edmond S. Meany, of the University of Washington, who became one of Joseph's champions. This collection was passed down by her parents to Ada, who in turn passed them on to her son, still active as a poet and novelist in California. The major collection of material from this period is at the Suzallo Library, University of Washington. Primarily on the basis of those materials, Mick Gidley wrote two books. "With One Sky Above Us: Life on an Indian Reservation at the Turn of the Century" (1979) tells of these years primarily through the eyes of Dr. Edward H. Latham, the reservation physician, who was an accomplished amateur photographer. "Kopet: A Documentary Narrative of Chief Joseph's Last Years" (1981) focuses on Professor Meany. This collection includes photographs by Meany, with annotations in his hand, and many by Dr. Latham, annotated by him. Ada also added her own notes. Some are the same photographs as appear in the illustrations to these books, others are variants, and several important ones are entirely new and are possibly unique. Thanks to Mike Cowdrey for his informed assistance
This lot is a silver print on 7 1/8" x 5" mount with imprint of La Roche, Seattle. (A similar print at the U. of Washington Library is unattributed.) Endorsed in pen verso: "Yours faithfully… Seattle Wash – 21 IX 1901." After serving in the Washington State Legislature Meany studied summers at the U. of Wisconsin, earning a Master's degree with a thesis on Chief Joseph—the beginning of his research into the history of the Northwest and Northern Plains Indians. He founded the Washington State Historical Society. In 1907 he collaborated with E. S. Curtis on his work on the Sioux. [3] ImagesClick on thumbnails to see larger images: 
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