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

Quote by Chief Joseph

Topics: Chief Joseph Quotes

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

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

Governor Isaac Stevens of the Washington Territory said there were a great many white people...

Governor Isaac Stevens of the Washington Territory said there were a great many white people...

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 saw that the war could not be prevented. The time had passed.

I saw that the war could not be prevented. The time had passed.

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...

Good words will not give me back my children.

Good words will not give me back my children.

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 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.

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...

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

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

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 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...

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

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

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 labored hard to avoid trouble and bloodshed.

I labored hard to avoid trouble and bloodshed.

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...

Words do not pay for my dead people.

Words do not pay for my dead people.

We ask to be recognized as men.

We ask to be recognized as men.

I know that my race must change.

I know that my race must change.