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

Quote by Chief Joseph

Topics: Chief Joseph Quotes

It does not require many words to speak the truth.

It does not require many words to speak the truth.

For a short time we lived quietly. But this could not last. White men had...

For a short time we lived quietly. But this could not last. White men had...

We gathered all the stock we could find, and made an attempt to move. We...

We gathered all the stock we could find, and made an attempt to move. We...

The Indian race are waiting and praying.

The Indian race are waiting and praying.

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...

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...

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...

I hope that no more groans of wounded men and women will ever go to...

I hope that no more groans of wounded men and women will ever go to...

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

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

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.

I know that my race must change.

I know that my race must change.

Treat all men alike. Give them the same law. Give them an even chance to...

Treat all men alike. Give them the same law. Give them an even chance to...

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.

We gave up some of our country to the white men, thinking that then we...

We gave up some of our country to the white men, thinking that then we...

We ask to be recognized as men.

We ask to be recognized as men.

An Indian respects a brave man, but he despises a coward.

An Indian respects a brave man, but he despises a coward.

I will speak with a straight tongue.

I will speak with a straight tongue.

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

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