the film forum library tutorial contact

Crapo Honors Nez Perce Elder Horace Axtell by Matt Loveless KLEW TV, August 14, 2008

LAPWAI - Idaho Senator Mike Crapo visited the area Wednesday, stopping in Lapwai to honor Nez Perce Tribal Elder Horace Axtell.

Axtell earned the National Endowment for the Arts Heritage Award and Crapo said he recently delivered a Congressional statement about Axtell because of the elder's work at the Nez Perce longhouse, where Axtell continues to speak the native language.

"Maintaining traditions and providing spiritual leadership for the Tribe," said Crapo. "Drum making, he makes drums in the old way and then uses them in both song and in word to help present preserve the traditions and the teachings of the tribe to the other generations."

In Lewiston, Crapo said he met with various groups to discuss what he called economic development opportunities in the Valley. How do we make the economy grow? Crapo said it's all about infrastructure, and water.

"This area has a tremendous potential in terms of it's water," said Crapo. "Water is critical to many industries, and frankly I think could be the key to future to future economic development in the area."