Bear Paw Battlefield memorial is Saturday

The Nez Perce Indians and the National Park Service this weekend will commemorate the warriors — native and U.S. government — who died at the Battle of the Bear Paws in 1879.

The battlefield, off Montana Highway 240, 15 miles south of Chinook, was the location of the battle that ended with the Nez Perce defeat Oct. 5, 1877. It is today a national historic park.

The battle marked the end of a 1,000-mile journey for the Nez Perce who had hoped to get 40 miles farther into Canada.

After that battle, Chief Joseph gave his speech that concluded “I am tired; my heart is sick and sad. F...