Quotes from Chief Joseph

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.

The first white men of your people who came to our country were named Lewis and Clark. They brought many things that our people had never seen. They talked straight. These men were very kind.

My people were divided about surrendering.

I believe much trouble would be saved if we opened our hearts more.

Some of you think an Indian is like a wild animal. This is a great mistake.

For a short time we lived quietly. But this could not last. White men had found gold in the mountains around the land of winding water.

It does not require many words to speak the truth.

It makes my heart sick when I remember all the good words and the broken promises.

I am tired of talk that comes to nothing.

We had a great many horses, of which we gave Lewis and Clark what they needed, and they gave us guns and tobacco in return.

I will speak with a straight tongue.

When an Indian fights, he only shoots to kill.

It takes few words to tell the truth.

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

I believe much trouble and blood would be saved if we opened our hearts more.

When my young men began the killing, my heart was hurt.

I labored hard to avoid trouble and bloodshed.

The earth is our mother. She should not be disturbed by hoe or plough. We want only to subsist on what she freely gives us.

I saw clearly that war was upon us when I learned that my young men had been secretly buying ammunition.

I said in my heart that, rather than have war, I would give up my country.

War can be avoided, and it ought to be avoided. I want no war.

I saw that the war could not be prevented. The time had passed.

I have asked some of the great white chiefs where they get their authority to say to the Indian that he shall stay in one place, while he sees white men going where they please. They cannot tell me.

Treat all men alike. Give them the same law. Give them an even chance to live and grow.