The Nez Perce Talmaks camp meetings began in 1897 and were held for the 4th of July as a Christian alternative to secular Independence Day celebrations. The goal was to limit Native American Christians’ involvement with “Non-Christian” activities. The Talmaks camp shifted in the following decades to celebrate Nez Perce Christians. Today, Talmaks takes place each summer and commemorates the past and present experiences of Nez Perce Christians.