Book Nook: White Bird Book One - Among the Nez Perce

White Bird Book One: Among the Nez Perce is a work of historical fiction, set to the background of West Central Idaho during the early stages of US military escalation into the Vietnam conflict.

The history behind “White Bird” is well documented and a decade of research has gone into this writing. The American government signed a treaty with the people in the 1850’s allotting the entire region to them. In 1876 the new treaty displaced many tribes from their ancestral homes, requiring them to move onto a reservation that decreased in size by 90% and resulting in the Battle of White Bird (1877).

The U S military was charged to force them onto the new reservation, and the battle that resulted was a disaster for the army. Outnumbered, the Nez Perce suffered zero casualties while inflicting over 25 on the military. It was not a war from the point of view of the people. They simply needed to buy time to get their entire families across the river so they could begin their march to freedom. Although Chief White Bird made it to safety in Canada with around 200 of his people, many would later return, hoping to settle back in their ancient home. Chief White Bird never returned. 

The book begins with the birth of Daniel Knight on the storm ravaged slopes of White Bird Pass during the winter of 1950 presage and the reawakening of the "Great Animal Spirits" of ancient Nez Perce lore.

Born to a native heritage from a woman of the people, who died in childbirth, and an Anglo-American bloodline from a father, who abandoned him at birth, Daniel comes of age in 1963, unaware of his ties to destiny.

In an event-filled one-year span of time, he must forge lasting bonds of friendship, face unforeseen enemies, and learn the true meaning of "courage, honor, and loyalty to love." Tied to destiny's path, Daniel will grow from self-imposed solitude into maturity as a leader of men and a warrior in the greatest traditions of his ancient heritage.

The novel is dedicated to the great people of Nimiipuu, who exemplify the true meanings of honor, courage, and loyalty to love.