Batt Joins Effort To Obtain Artifacts

The Nez Perce Indian Tribe has raised three-quarters of the money needed to buy a rare collection of tribal artifacts.

The tribe has until June 1 to raise $608,100 to buy 20 Nez Perce objects owned by the Ohio Historical Society. The tribe’s fund-raising director said the tribe has raised about $450,000.

The tribe recently gained a valuable ally. Gov. Phil Batt on Tuesday sent a follow-up letter to foundations and charities.

“I am writing to support the efforts of the Nez Perce Tribe and to encourage the financial support of local foundations, such as yours, in ensuring that these significant pieces of Idaho history remain in this great state,” the governor said.

The items were bought by the Rev. Henry Spalding, a missionary among the Nez Perce in the mid-1800s. He sent the collection to his friend, Dr. Dudley Allen in Ohio, in exchange for other goods.

Eventually, it became the property of the Ohio Historical Society. When the collection was recalled last year, it sparked an emotional outcry from the tribe, which argued the artifacts are of great historical and spiritual value.

A donor, who did not wish to be identified publicly, gave $150,000 to the drive and the foundation of Lillian Disney, widow of moviemaker Walt Disney, contributed $100,000.