16 Quotes & Sayings By Chief Joseph

Chief Joseph was a famous leader of the Nez Perce Indians. He was born in 1839 and died in 1904. Chief Joseph and his people were forced to migrate from their homelands and ended up on the wrong side of the Rocky Mountains during the great migration of Indians across the plains. Chief Joseph and his family were eventually trapped at Malheur Lake, where he led his tribe to victory over the U.S Army. Afterwards, Chief Joseph was sent with his band to a reservation in Idaho with no land, no crops, and with only the clothes on their backs. Chief Joseph fought for years against government policy that would prevent any Indian from holding title to land. The Chief died in 1904 after being beaten by soldiers while resisting relocation for the fourth time Read more

He finally succumbed to pneumonia, not being able to survive relocation to Oklahoma. His name has become a symbol of resistance against government overreach, including Native American activists today who name themselves "Josephs." Chief Joseph's story is also part of American history textbooks - one reads: "He refused to surrender his ancestral lands at Little Bighorn."

I believe much trouble and blood would be saved if...
1
I believe much trouble and blood would be saved if we opened our hearts more. Chief Joseph
2
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. Chief Joseph
3
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. Chief Joseph
4
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. Chief Joseph
5
The earth is the mother of all people, and all people should have equal rights upon it. Chief Joseph
6
It makes my heart sick when I remember all the good words and the broken promises. Chief Joseph
7
Treat all men alike. Give them the same law. Give them an even chance to live and grow. Chief Joseph
8
It does not require many words to speak the truth. Chief Joseph
9
Let me be a free man - free to travel, free to stop, free to work. Chief Joseph
10
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
11
When my young men began the killing, my heart was hurt. Chief Joseph
12
All men were made by the Great Spirit Chief. They are all brothers. Chief Joseph
13
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
14
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
15
My father... had sharper eyes than the rest of our people. Chief Joseph