Quote

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

Change background

T
T
T

Change font

TAGS & TOPICS

Chief Joseph
Age: 64 †
Born: 1840
Born: March 3
Died: 1904
Died: September 21
Tribal Chief
Wallowa Valley
Joseph Buruzagia
Hin-mut-too-uah-lat-kekht
Thunder Rolling in the Mountains
Heinmot Tooyalaket
Joseph the Younger
Would
Protect
Life
Told
Pressed
Land
Smiled
Hand
Grave
Father
Graves
Away
Passed
Spirit
Dad
Hands
Tears

More quotes by Chief Joseph

Image
Lawyer acted without authority from our band. He had no right to sell the Wallowa country.
Chief Joseph
Image
A man who would not love his father's grave is worse than a wild animal.
Chief Joseph
Image
We had a great many horses, of which we gave Lewis and Clark what they needed, and they gave us guns and tobacco in return.
Chief Joseph
Image
When my young men began the killing, my heart was hurt.
Chief Joseph
Image
I am tired of talk that comes to nothing.
Chief Joseph
Image
Look twice at a two-faced man.
Chief Joseph
Image
I know that my race must change.
Chief Joseph
Image
Let me be a free man - free to travel, free to stop, free to work.
Chief Joseph
Image
The first white men of your people who came to our country were named Lewis and Clark.
Chief Joseph
Image
My father... had sharper eyes than the rest of our people.
Chief Joseph
Image
The earth is the mother of all people, and all people should have equal rights upon it.
Chief Joseph
Image
The Indian race is waiting and praying.
Chief Joseph
Image
I saw clearly that war was upon us when I learned that my young men had been secretly buying ammunition.
Chief Joseph
Image
I did not want my people killed. I did not want bloodshed.
Chief Joseph
Image
I have asked some of the great white chiefs where they get their authority to say to the Indian that he shall stay in one place, while he sees white men going where they please. They cannot tell me.
Chief Joseph
Image
I labored hard to avoid trouble and bloodshed.
Chief Joseph
Image
We were contented to let things remain as the Great Spirit Chief made them. They were not and would change the rivers and mountains if they did not suit them.
Chief Joseph
Image
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
Image
I will speak with a straight tongue.
Chief Joseph
Image
Treat all men alike. Give them the same law. Give them an even chance to live and grow.
Chief Joseph