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

I have heard talk and talk, but nothing is done.

I have heard talk and talk, but nothing is done.

I would have given my own life if I could have undone the killing of...

I would have given my own life if I could have undone the killing of...

My father was the first to see through the schemes of the white man.

My father was the first to see through the schemes of the white man.

It required a strong heart to stand up against such talk, but I urged my...

It required a strong heart to stand up against such talk, but I urged my...

I cannot tell how much my heart suffered for my people while at Leavenworth.

I cannot tell how much my heart suffered for my people while at Leavenworth.

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

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

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.

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

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

I am tired of talk that comes to nothing.

I am tired of talk that comes to nothing.

It does not require many words to speak the truth.

It does not require many words to speak the truth.

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.

Words do not pay for my dead people.

Words do not pay for my dead 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...

You might as well expect rivers to run backwards as any man born free to...

You might as well expect rivers to run backwards as any man born free to...

I would give up everything rather than have the blood of white men upon the...

I would give up everything rather than have the blood of white men upon the...

From where the sun now stands I will fight no more.

From where the sun now stands I will fight no more.

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.

General Howard informed me, in a haughty spirit, that he would give my people 30...

General Howard informed me, in a haughty spirit, that he would give my people 30...

Lawyer acted without authority from our band. He had no right to sell the Wallowa...

Lawyer acted without authority from our band. He had no right to sell the Wallowa...

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

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