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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

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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
Cannot
Authority
Great
Asked
Going
Please
Men
Stay
Shall
White
Chiefs
Tell
Indian
Place
Sees

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When the last deer disappears into the morning mist, When the last elk vanishes from the hills, When the last buffalo falls on the plains, I will hunt mice for I am a hunter and I must have my freedom.
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My people were divided about surrendering.
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Cursed be he that scalps the reputation of the dead.
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I believe much trouble would be saved if we opened our hearts more.
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Some of you think an Indian is like a wild animal. This is a great mistake.
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I labored hard to avoid trouble and bloodshed.
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The first white men of your people who came to our country were named Lewis and Clark.
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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.
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Let me be a free man - free to travel, free to stop, free to work.
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I am tired of talk that comes to nothing It makes my heart sick when I remember all the good words and all the broken promises. There has been too much talking by men who had no right to talk. It does not require many words to speak the truth.
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The earth is our mother. She should not be disturbed by hoe or plough. We want only to subsist on what she freely gives us.
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It takes few words to tell the truth.
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Big name often stands on small legs.
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The earth is the mother of all people, and all people should have equal rights upon it.
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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.
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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.
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All people should be treated the same way on earth.
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An Indian respects a brave man, but he despises a coward.
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Finest fur may cover toughest meat.
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It does not require many words to speak the truth.
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