Chief Joseph – 20 Quotes

20 Quotes by Chief Joseph

We gave up some of our country to the white men, thinking that then we could have peace. We were mistaken. The white man would not let us alone.

– Chief Joseph

I know that my race must change.

– Chief Joseph

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.

– Chief Joseph

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

– Chief Joseph

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

– Chief Joseph

I only ask of the government to be treated as all other men are treated.

– Chief Joseph

All men were made by the Great Spirit Chief. They are all brothers.

– Chief Joseph

I hope that no more groans of wounded men and women will ever go to the ear of the Great Spirit Chief above, and that all people may be one people.

– Chief Joseph

General Howard informed me, in a haughty spirit, that he would give my people 30 days to go back home, collect all their stock, and move onto the reservation.

– Chief Joseph

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

– Chief Joseph

If the white man wants to live in peace with the Indian he can live in peace.

– Chief Joseph

Hear me, my chiefs! I am tired. My heart is sick and sad. From where the sun now stands, I will fight no more forever.

– Chief Joseph

Let me be a free man – free to travel, free to stop, free to work.

– Chief Joseph

It does not require many words to speak the truth.

– Chief Joseph

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

– Chief Joseph

I saw clearly that war was upon us when I learned that my young men had been secretly buying ammunition.

– Chief Joseph

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

– Chief Joseph

It required a strong heart to stand up against such talk, but I urged my people to be quiet and not to begin a war.

– Chief Joseph

War can be avoided, and it ought to be avoided. I want no war.

– Chief Joseph

We had good white friends who advised us against taking the war path. My friend and brother, Mr. Chapman, told us just how the war would end.

– Chief Joseph