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Quote by Chief Joseph

“Big name often stands on small legs.”

Quote by Chief Joseph

Author

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

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“When I think of our condition, my heart is heavy. I see men of my own race treated as outlaws and driven from country to country, or shot down like animals.”

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“I know that my race must change. We cannot hold our own with the white men as we are. We only ask an even chance to live as other men live. We ask to be recognized as men. We ask that the same law shall work alike on all men. If an Indian breaks the law, punish him by the law. If a white man breaks the law, punish him also.”

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“Whenever the white man treats the Indian as they treat each other then we shall have no more wars. We shall be all alike - brothers of one father and mother, with one sky above us and one country around us and one government for all. Then the Great Spirit Chief who rules above will smile upon this land and send rain to wash out the bloody spots made by brothers' hands upon the face of the earth. For this time the Indian race is waiting and praying. I hope 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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