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.

Quote by Chief Joseph

Topics: Chief Joseph Quotes

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

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

We had good white friends who advised us against taking the war path. My friend...

We had good white friends who advised us against taking the war path. My friend...

I will obey every law, or submit to the penalty.

I will obey every law, or submit to the penalty.

I saw clearly that war was upon us when I learned that my young men...

I saw clearly that war was upon us when I learned that my young men...

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

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

I will speak with a straight tongue.

I will speak with a straight tongue.

We had a great many horses, of which we gave Lewis and Clark what they...

We had a great many horses, of which we gave Lewis and Clark what they...

The first white men of your people who came to our country were named Lewis...

The first white men of your people who came to our country were named Lewis...

If the white man wants to live in peace with the Indian he can live...

If the white man wants to live in peace with the Indian he can live...

The white men told lies for each other. They drove off a great many of...

The white men told lies for each other. They drove off a great many of...

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

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

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

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

When an Indian fights, he only shoots to kill.

When an Indian fights, he only shoots to kill.

My people were divided about surrendering.

My people were divided about surrendering.

I want the white people to understand my people.

I want the white people to understand my people.

Hear me, my chiefs! I am tired. My heart is sick and sad. From where...

Hear me, my chiefs! I am tired. My heart is sick and sad. From where...

A chief called Lawyer, because he was a great talker, took the lead in the...

A chief called Lawyer, because he was a great talker, took the lead in the...

I did not want my people killed. I did not want bloodshed.

I did not want my people killed. I did not want bloodshed.

I only ask of the government to be treated as all other men are treated.

I only ask of the government to be treated as all other men are treated.

I am tired of talk that comes to nothing.

I am tired of talk that comes to nothing.