Chief Joseph

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

The earth is the mother of all people, and all people should have equal rights upon it.

Good words will not give me back my children.

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 labored hard to avoid trouble and bloodshed.

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

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.

I am tired of talk that comes to nothing.

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

A man who would not love his father's grave is worse than a wild animal.

I would have given my own life if I could have undone the killing of white men by my people.

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.