Chief Joseph People Quotations

I did not want my people killed. I did not want bloodshed.

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.

I would have given my own life if I could have undone the killing of white men by my people.

Our people could not talk with these white-faced men, but they used signs which all people understand.

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.

I cannot tell how much my heart suffered for my people while at Leavenworth.

I want the white people to understand my people.

Words do not pay for my dead people.

All people should be treated the same way on earth.

My people were divided about surrendering.

If the white man wants to live in peace with the Indian he can live in peace. There need be no trouble. Treat all men alike. Give them all the same law. Give them all an even chance to live and grow. All men were made by the same Great Spirit Chief. They are all brothers. The earth is the mother of all people, and all people should have equal rights upon it.