Poker Joe lived in
Missoula, Montana before his involvement with the
Nez Perce War. Under the guidance of
Chief Joseph, the Nez Perce avoided a run-in with soldiers and local militia in Missoula, and ended up in
Yellowstone National Park—uncharted territory for the group. In need of a navigator, they commandeered the services of a prospector named John Shivley, whom they found camping alone along the
Firehole River. A small man with a big voice, Poker Joe acted as Shivley's interpreter for the thirteen days he was held captive. According to Shivley's testimony (he escaped near the
Absaroka Range on September 5, 1877), the Nez Perce had no definitive leader in place, with the rather pleasant and casual Chief Joseph wearing one feather on his headpiece, while Poker Joe wore two. Chief Joseph was heavily involved in diplomatic duties in the days leading up to the war, which is why he is viewed as the Nez Perces leader. However, it was Poker Joe who carried out negotiations for much-needed supplies and was responsible for the interrogation and release of tourists detained by his tribe during the war. ==Lean Elk becomes head of Nez Perce Tribe==