The Nez Perce had been corralled onto the Lapwai reservation and others. Catholicism and Presbyterianism were eclipsing the tribe's centuries-old religious traditions. They were feeling change on a daily basis. Olsen said Morris' recordings are the earliest known example of an American Indian, with his own gear and at his own behest, recording his culture's songs and speech. Morris' recordings suggest happy times.
Singers whoop with joy singing greetings to visitors, or victory songs, or evening worship songs.
Morris and his son are long gone, and Olsen said Jim Morris had no descendants. With no family to request permission from, Olsen met with tribal leaders to discuss the problem. That may be wrong, but we think it's right. Very interesting reading. All Rights Reserved.