CJF attended the National Chief Joseph Trail Ride, hosted by the Appaloosa Horse Club.

Each year, the CJF brings a handful of youth on the ride to improve horsemanship skills, fine tune trail ride etiquette, and to reconnect Nez Perce youth to their Niimiipuu History. This year, two youth achieved their 5-Year Pin Awards. This years awards brings the total to twelve (12) youth who have completed 500-miles of the Chief Joseph Trail Ride with the CJF! Congrats to Ciahna Oatman & Omari Mitchell of Lapwai, ID.

Additionally, Kat Samuels has earned her 13-Year Plaque, meaning she has ridden the whole route of the 1,300-miles. It is quite the accomplishment as she becomes the 7th Niimiipuu to earn this award. Olivia Carter has also earned the 13-Year Plaque, coming both as a rider and a non-rider. As a youth, she attended and rode with the Nez Perce Appaloosa Horse Club, managed by Jon & Rosa Yearout and family.

Congrats to these 5 beautiful strong women!

CJF Board members who also attended include Bonnie Ewing (29th-year), Lucy Samuels (17th-year), and Michael Ewing (9th-year).

Thanks to Dawnsy Samuels (2nd-year) and Marcia Mewszel for attending and helping Bonnie with the silent auction and raffle during the ride.

And last but not least, the CJF would like to share our appreciation to Allen Pinkham, Sr. for traveling to Musselshell Meadows to present at Tuesday Night’s dinner activities. His presentation was heart-felt and moving for all those present. Pinkham currently sits as the CJF Chair-person.