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

Quote by Chief Joseph

Topics: Chief Joseph Quotes

I labored hard to avoid trouble and bloodshed.

I labored hard to avoid trouble and bloodshed.

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 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...

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

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

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...

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...

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

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

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...

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 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.

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...

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 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 want the white people to understand my people.

I want the white people to understand my people.

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...

I will speak with a straight tongue.

I will speak with a straight tongue.

Words do not pay for my dead people.

Words do not pay for my dead people.

My father... had sharper eyes than the rest of our people.

My father... had sharper eyes than the rest of our people.

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.

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

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