We ask to be recognized as men.

Quote by Chief Joseph

Topics: Chief Joseph Quotes

Words do not pay for my dead people.

Words do not pay for my dead people.

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.

We did not know there were other people besides the Indian until about one hundred...

We did not know there were other people besides the Indian until about one hundred...

I am tired of talk that comes to nothing.

I am tired of talk that comes to nothing.

Good words will not give me back my children.

Good words will not give me back my children.

When an Indian fights, he only shoots to kill.

When an Indian fights, he only shoots to kill.

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.

I will speak with a straight tongue.

I will speak with a straight tongue.

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...

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 want the white people to understand my people.

I want the white people to understand my people.

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...

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

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

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...

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 labored hard to avoid trouble and bloodshed.

I labored hard to avoid trouble and bloodshed.

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...

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

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

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

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

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...