Who was Nisqually John?

This article details the life of Nisqually John, a member of the Nisqually tribe who lived along the Snake River in Washington during the late 19th and early 20th centuries. Historical records are sparse; however, John is believed to have been born in 1833 and lived until at least 1911, as evidenced by a photograph taken that year. He was noted for his role as a scout during the Nez Perce War, where he aided U. S. General Oliver Otis Howard, showcasing his complex relationship with the settler community.

The article also highlights the tragic history of the Nisqually tribe, who lost millions of acres of land due to government policies and were forced onto small reservations. Many tribe members, including John and his wife, chose to leave these reservations, seeking better opportunities. Fishing and farming were integral to their lives, although John's occupation was primarily listed as farming. The piece emphasizes John's legacy as a figure who navigated the challenges of his time while maintaining connections to both his Indigenous roots and settler society. Overall, his story serves as a microcosm of Indigenous resilience and adaptation in a rapidly changing world.