Chief Joseph

• "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.“
• "I know that my race must change.“
• "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.“
• "My father... had sharper eyes than the rest of our people.“
• "It makes my heart sick when I remember all the good words and the broken promises.“
• "I only ask of the government to be treated as all other men are treated.“
• "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.“
• "All men were made by the Great Spirit Chief. They are all brothers.“
• "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.“
• "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.“
• "Treat all men alike. Give them the same law. Give them an even chance to live and grow.“
• "All men were made by the Great Spirit Chief. They are all brothers.“
• "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.“
• "If the white man wants to live in peace with the Indian he can live in peace.“
• "Hear me, my chiefs! I am tired. My heart is sick and sad. From where the sun now stands, I will fight no more forever.“
• "Let me be a free man - free to travel, free to stop, free to work.“
• "It does not require many words to speak the truth.“
• "It required a strong heart to stand up against such talk, but I urged my people to be quiet and not to begin a war.“
• "War can be avoided, and it ought to be avoided. I want no war.“
• "I said in my heart that, rather than have war, I would give up my country.“
• "I saw clearly that war was upon us when I learned that my young men had been secretly buying ammunition.“
• "I saw that the war could not be prevented. The time had passed.“
• "We had good white friends who advised us against taking the war path. My friend and brother, Mr. Chapman, told us just how the war would end.“
• "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.“
• "Let me be a free man - free to travel, free to stop, free to work.“

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