It is recorded that the elder Joseph requested that Young Joseph protect their 7.7 - million - acre homeland , and guard his father 's burial place .
The 1855 reservation maintained much of the traditional Nez Perce lands , including Joseph 's Wallowa Valley .
It is recorded that the elder Joseph requested that Young Joseph protect their 7.7 - million - acre homeland , and guard Joseph 's father 's burial place .
The 1855 reservation maintained much of the traditional Nez Perce lands , including Joseph 's Wallowa Valley .