When the U.S. government ordered the Nez Perce onto reservations in Idaho,
Chief Joseph resisted, leading his band toward Canada. Considered a brilliant
strategist, he won many battles against great odds. In 1877 he surrendered to save
his people from a harsh winter with little food and no blankets. The Chief Joseph
design includes Native American symbols of strength and bravery, attributes of this
great chief whose courage and determination won him respect in times of peace and war.