The legacy of Native Americans is one of the most important heritages
             of American history and culture. Native Americans have traditionally had a
             land-based culture. Their land is their prime resource and fulfills a
             further objective of promoting their heritage and culture. Therefore, the
             importance of conserving the sites of traditional value for these tribes is
             of utmost importance. By protecting these sites, one can conserve the
             cultural, spiritual as well as the economical status of the Native
             However, though the importance of land conservation cannot be denied,
             it is ironic that the history of the American Indian shows massive loss of
             The Dawes Act, implemented in 1887 resulted in a loss of more than 90
             million acres of tribal land which in itself is no small figure accounting
             for a large percentage of the total tribal land. Even now, there is
             consistent looting of Indian land be it in the form of privately owned
             sites, graveyards, fishing grounds or wildlife habitat. The constant
             occupation of native tribal land is a persistent problem being faced by the
             Native American tribes like the Nez Perce, Umatilla, Warm Springs,
             Yakama and Klamath have all lost some part of their original land. They
             have however fought for it, with the help of land conservation
             organizations and other non-governmental workers. Their logic behind the
             fight against illegal occupation of tribal land is to save the land and
             build native economies which are socially, culturally and economically
             strong and devoted to strengthening the Native American status as well as
             preserving their traditional heritage.
             May our Creator send the spirits of those who have traveled these valleys
             and ridges, those who were laid to rest at the Big Hole, the Bears Paw and
             other places on the route of the Nez Perce W
             ...