Chief Joseph Quotes - Page 2

Big name often stands on small legs.

Whenever the white man treats the Indian as they treat each other, then we will have no more wars. We shall all be alike-brothers of one father and one another, with one sky above us and one country around us, and one government for all.

All people should be treated the same way on earth.

The earth was created by the assistance of the sun, and it should be left as it was. The country was made without lines of demarcation, and it is no man's business to divide it.

Good words will not give my people good health and stop them from dying. Good words will not get my people a home where they can live in peace and take care of themselves. I am tired of talk that comes to nothing. It makes my heart sick when I remember all the good words and broken promises.

When the last deer disappears into the morning mist, When the last elk vanishes from the hills, When the last buffalo falls on the plains, I will hunt mice for I am a hunter and I must have my freedom.

An Indian respects a brave man, but he despises a coward.

I know that my race must change. We cannot hold our own with the white men as we are. We only ask an even chance to live as other men live. We ask to be recognized as men. We ask that the same law shall work alike on all men. If an Indian breaks the law, punish him by the law. If a white man breaks the law, punish him also.

I am not a child, I think for myself. No man can think for me.

We gave up some of our country to the white men, thinking that then we could have peace. We were mistaken. The white man would not let us alone.

All men were made by the Great Spirit Chief. They are all brothers.

I believe much trouble and blood would be saved if we opened our hearts more. I will tell you in my way how the Indian sees things. The white man has more words to tell you how they look to him, but it does not require many words to speak the truth.

We do not want churches. They will teach us to quarrel about God.

You might as well expect rivers to run backwards as any man born free to be contented penned up.

We were contented to let things remain as the Great Spirit Chief made them. They were not; and would change the rivers and mountains if they did not suit them.

We are going by you without fighting if you will let us, but we are going by you anyhow!

We soon found that the white men were growing rich very fast, and were greedy.

Finest fur may cover toughest meat.

We ask only that the law shall work alike on all men.

I have heard talk and talk, but nothing is done.

I hope that no more groans of wounded men and women will ever go to the ear of the Great Spirit Chief above, and that all people may be one people.

Whenever the white man treats the Indian as they treat each other then we shall have no more wars. We shall be all alike - brothers of one father and mother, with one sky above us and one country around us and one government for all. Then the Great Spirit Chief who rules above will smile upon this land and send rain to wash out the bloody spots made by brothers' hands upon the face of the earth. For this time the Indian race is waiting and praying. I hope no more groans of wounded men and women will ever go to the ear of the Great Spirit Chief above, and that all people may be one people.

General Howard informed me, in a haughty spirit, that he would give my people 30 days to go back home, collect all their stock, and move onto the reservation.

Our people could not talk with these white-faced men, but they used signs which all people understand.

I pressed my father's hand and told him I would protect his grave with my life. My father smiled and passed away to the spirit land.