Traditionally, the Nez Perce did not have a formal government prior to European contact. Before the 1840’s, the Nation consisted of 70 small communities. “Each village had a council of three or four respected men, one of whom was called chief” (Nez Perce, 2008). The chief usually had the most relatives in their community and the skills and knowledge he possessed; he would pass his title to his son. Like many other Native nations, the Chief’s main responsibility was to settle internal disputes, trade, fishing, and war .
Separate or independent villages were ran by a ‘headman’. “When a major decision was needed, the headmen and other respected people would meet in a tribal council to reach an agreement” (Nez Perce. 2008). Members of the Nez Perce were not obligated to follow the few tribal laws and rules, however, order was kept through strict social pressure.
“Nez Percé.” UXL Encyclopedia of Native American Tribes, 2nd ed., vol. 3: Arctic, Subarctic, Great Plains and Plateau, UXL, 2008. Gale eBooks, https://link-gale-com.ezproxy.spscc.edu/apps/doc/CX3048800073/GVRL?u=olym74496&sid=GVRL&xid=db405073. Accessed 9 Mar. 2020.
Matthew Gates 