Chief Joseph wearing hat and coat with star design on lapel

Chief Moses and Chief Joseph were classmates at Spaulding Mission School located on the present day Nez Perce Reservation in Idaho. Each became long-time friends and advocates for one another.  When Chief Joseph was banished to Oklahoma after the Nez Perce War of  1877, Chief Moses asked the Federal Government to allow Joseph to live on the Colville Indian Reservation.  After his arrival, both Chiefs travelled to Spokane, Washington for a fair and took photos wearing the beaver coat designed by Mary Moses.  An identical photo of Chief Moses was taken that day with same pose.  Contributed by Yvette Joseph, MSW and Confederated Colville Tribes member.