Quotessence
Home / Quotes / Quote by Chief Joseph

Quote by Chief Joseph

“Good words will not give my people good health and stop them from dying. Good words will not get my people a home where they can live in peace and take care of themselves. I am tired of talk that comes to nothing. It makes my heart sick when I remember all the good words and broken promises.”

Quote by Chief Joseph

Author

Chief Joseph
Chief Joseph

Chief Joseph, whose real name was Hokowon, was a prominent leader of the Lakota Sioux tribe. Known for his leadership and pursuit of peace, he led the Sioux in their resistance against white settlers. During the Battle of Wounded Knee in 1890, he was forced to surrender and later led his people to be relocated to Oregon. His story has become a symbol of the Lakota's struggle and assimilation into American society. more

You May Also Like

“All men were made brothers. The earth is the mother of all people, and all people should have equal rights upon it. You might as well expect the rivers to run backward as that any man who was born free should be content when penned up and denied liberty to go where he pleases.”

“Suppose a white man should come to me and say, "Joseph, I like your horses. I want to buy them." I say to him, "No, my horses suit me; I will not sell them." Then he goes to my neighbor and says to him, "Joseph has some good horses. I want to buy them, but he refuses to sell." My neighbor answers, "Pay me the money and I will sell you Joseph's horses." The white man returns to me and says, "Joseph, I have bought your horses and you must let me have them." If we sold our lands to the government, this is the way they bought them.”