35+ Chief Joseph Quotes From The Influential Nez Perce Leader
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Chief Joseph was born on 3 March 1840 into the Nez Perce Tribe of Wallowa Valley and died on 21 September 1904.
His native name was 'Hin-mah-too-yah-lat-kekt' which translates to the thunder rolling down the mountain. Chief Joseph is known synonymously as being the heart and soul of the Nez Perce war.
The settlements of the US in the Wallowa Valley were the beginning of confusion and chaos. Many Native Indians were forced to give up their names which are close to losing part of one's identity.
Agreements were made with the government to ensure peace However, in 1863 the government forced them to move to Idaho. Not only did they change their names but also were to give up their land.
The reason for this was simply the land native to the Nez Perce tribe was considered to possess gold which the U.S. wanted.
However, this was extremely unfair to the Nez Perce tribe. Post his father's death, Chief Joseph refused to be forced in such a manner, they felt cheated and dismayed.
He organized his group of 200 warriors and planned efficiently for war. The skills Chief Joesph possessed were considered exceptional but he was ultimately forced to surrender to the U.S.
In this article, we will take a look at Chief Joseph quotes based on his life and experience. For more, visit Chief Dan George quotes and Tecumseh quotes.
Equality Quotes By Chief Joseph
The military genius he utilized through warfare was considered commendable and he earned the nickname of 'Red Napolean'. His only aim was to make sure that his tribe sustained. Here are some Chief Joseph quotes on inequality and the importance of equality.
1."The earth is the mother of all people, and all people should have equal rights upon it."
-Chief Joseph
2."If the white man wants to live in peace with the Indian, he can live in peace...Treat all men alike. Give them the same law. Give them an even chance to live and grow..."
-Chief Joseph
3."...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."
-Chief Joseph
4."Whenever the white man treats the Indian as they treat each other, then we shall have no more wars. We shall all be alike, brothers of one father and one mother with one sky above us and one country around us and one government for all."
-Chief Joseph
5."I do not believe that the great spirit chief gave one kind of men the right to tell another kind of men what they must do."
-Chief Joseph
6."We soon found that the white men were growing rich very fast, and were greedy."
-Chief Joseph
7."Our people could not talk with these white-faced men, but they used signs which all people understand."
-Chief Joseph
8."When I think of our condition, my heart is heavy. I see men of my own race treated as outlaws and driven from country to country, or shot down like animals."
-Chief Joseph
9."Some of you think an Indian is like a wild animal. This is a great mistake."
-Chief Joseph
10. "...It's cold we have no blankets. The little children are freezing to death. My people, some of them, have run away to the hills...no food.
No one knows where they are -perhaps freezing to death. I want to have time to look for my children, and see how many of them I can find. Maybe I shall find them among the dead. Hear me Chiefs"
-Chief Joseph
11."I am not a child. I think for myself. No man can think for me."
-Chief Joseph
12."Cursed be he that scalps the reputation of the dead."
-Chief Joseph
Chief Joseph Nez Perce Quotes On Land
Chief Joseph dedicated his whole life to make sure that their land would stay their own. He even made a promise to his father but was unable to fulfill it. Facts suggest that he died from a broken heart. Take a look at Chief Joseph quotes related to the Nez Perce tribe and other war-related quotes.
13."It makes my heart sick when I remember all the good words and the broken promises."
-Chief Joseph
14."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."
-Chief Joseph
15. "Tell General Howard I know his heart. What he told me before, I have in my heart. I am tire of fighting.
Our chiefs are killed; looking glass is dead...the old men are all dead... 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."
-Chief Joseph
16."We do not want churches. They will teach us to quarrel about God."
-Chief Joseph
17."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."
-Chief Joseph
18."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."
-Chief Joseph
19."The earth and myself are of one mind. The measure of land and the measure of our bodies are the same."
-Chief Joseph
20."Good words will not give back my children."
-Chief Joseph
21."I cannot tell you how much my heart suffered for my people while at Leavenworth."
-Chief Joseph
22."The first white men of your people who came to our country were named Lewis and Clark."
-Chief Joseph
23."A chief called Lawyer, because he was a great talker, took the lead in the council, and sold nearly all the Nez Perce Country."
-Chief Joseph
Inspirational Chief Joseph Quotes
'Thunder Rolling In The Mountains' written by Scott O' Dell makes mention of Chief Joseph in his book. Here are some inspirational Chief Joseph quotes.
24."You might as well expect rivers to run backward as any man born free to be contented penned up and denied liberty to go where he pleases."
-Chief Joseph
25."All men were made by the great spirit Chief. They are all brothers."
-Chief Joseph
26."Good words do not last long unless they amount to something."
-Chief Joseph
27."It does not require many words to speak the truth."
-Chief Joseph
28."I believe much trouble would be saved if we opened our hearts more."
-Chief Joseph
29."The eye tells what the tongue would hide."
-Chief Joseph
30."Look twice at the two-faced man."
-Chief Joseph
31."Big name often stands on small legs."
-Chief Joseph
32."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."
-Chief Joseph
33."My father was the first to see through the schemes of the white men."
-Chief Joseph
34."Let me be a free man, free to travel, free to stop, free to work, free to trade where I choose, free to choose my own teachers, free to follow my religion of my fathers, free to talk, think, and act for myself- and I will obey every law or submit to the penalty."
-Chief Joseph
35."A man who would not love his father's grave is worse than a wild animal."
-Chief Joseph
36."I am tired of talk that comes to nothing."
-Chief Joseph
37."War can be avoided, and it ought to be avoided. I want no war."
-Chief Joseph
Here at Kidadl, we have carefully created lots of interesting family-friendly quotesfor everyone to enjoy! If you liked our suggestions for Chief Joseph quotes then why not take a look at John Trudell quotes, or [Native American quotes].
Main image Editorial credit: Vera NewSib / Shutterstock.com
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Bachelor of Arts specializing in English, Masters of English Literature
Merlyn MathewsBachelor of Arts specializing in English, Masters of English Literature
As a multilingual content writer, Merlyn's command over multiple languages and her strong academic background in English enhance her writing capabilities. She holds a Bachelor's degree in English from Christ University and a Master's degree in English from the University of Leeds.Her professional journey includes internships at The Lagoon School and The Guardian Newspaper, both in Nigeria, enriching her experience and lending depth to her understanding of diverse work environments. Additionally, her volunteer work with Oxfam and Handout Foundation reflects her dedication to social causes.
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