Chief Joseph Quotations

All people should be treated the same way on earth.

We ask to be recognized as men.

I will speak with a straight tongue.

I will obey every law, or submit to the penalty.

We ask only that the law shall work alike on all men.

My people were divided about surrendering.

If the white man wants to live in peace with the Indianwe 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.

I know that my race must change.

The white men told lies for each other. They drove off a great many of our cattle. Some branded our young cattle so they could claim them.

My father was the first to see through the schemes of the white man.