e was a Native American Chief of the Nez Perces and they lived in Wallowa Valley in Northwest Oregon. His fother was one of the first nez perce to convert to Christianity. Joseph was give the name Hinmaton Yalakitit or Thunder Rolling Down the Mountain. In 1855 Chief Joseph's fother signed a treaty with the U.S.that allowed his people to retain much of their traditional lands.In 1863 another treaty was created that severely reduced the amount of land.