A committee formed to place a memorial at the site of the 1887 Chinese massacre in Hells Canyon has sent out a fundraising appeal to raise money for the project.

Chairman of the committee is Greg Nokes, author of “Massacred for Gold, the Chinese in Hells Canyon.”

Next year will mark the 125th anniversary of the massacre. “We cannot give the victims justice after so many years, but we can honor their memory,” the committee’s letter said.

As envisioned, there will be a simple memorial of granite, about 4-by-5 feet, placed on a bluff overlooking the Snake River near walls built by the Chinese miners, with the intent not to attract attention to the site but to honor the victims.

Engraved on the stone in three languages – English, Chinese and Nez Perce – will be the heading “CHINESE MASSACRE COVE” over the words “Site of the 1887 massacre of as many as 34 Chinese gold miners. No one was held accountable.”

The cost will be about $3,000 for purchase of the stone, engraving, placement on site and establishment of a maintenance fund.

The committee’s goal is to have the memorial installed and ready to dedicate during the annual “Chinese Remembering” gathering in Lewiston, Idaho, on June 21-22, 2012. Following a program the first day, participants will travel to the site by jet boat June 22 for a dedication and healing ceremony.

Leftover funds would be used to replace a deteriorating interpretive sign at the former Chinese cemetery in Lewiston. The committee also is considering a future project to recognize the contributions of 19th century Chinese immigrants to the development of the Pacific Northwest.

Contributions may be made through the website www.chineseremembering.org or by check to Confluence Press (“Massacre Memorial” in the subject line), c/o Chinese Memorial, 2220 2nd St., Lewiston, ID 83502.

Members of the Chinese Massacre Memorial Committee include Chuimei Ho, vice chairman; and Ben Bronson, Garry Bush, Bill Hall, Patricia Keith, Craig Lesley, Alan Pinkham, Bettie Sing Luke, Rich Wandschneider, Priscilla Wegars and Lyle Wirtanen.