The Nimiipuu, Nez Perce, are a large population of tribal members living in North America. They have a social system that is important to the whole group welfare. The legends and stories of the Nimiipuu are preserved from generation to generation by word of mouth for as long as the people can remember. The elders are the ones who tell the stories and legends, and it is very important to keep the stories as accurate as possible, for the future generations depended on the accuracy of the stories for their beliefs, lives, traditions, and rituals. Dances came before it was time for the stories and legends to be told...Every story and legend was important to the people for survival and developing character and strength in the tribe. Survival of the individual and the entire tribe could depend on it. Nez Perce Nimiipuu The People Table of Contents and Reference Guide: Chief Joseph Nez Perce Nimiipuu The People Stories And Legends by Laurel Sobol How Bear Lost His Tail Yipsee Yi Yi How Coyote Got His Song The Truth Stick Sip Sap the Beautiful Blue Squirrel