Chief Joseph
The earth was created by the assistance of the sun, and it
should be left as it was. . . . The country was made without lines of
demarcation, and it is no man’s business to divide it. . . . I see the whites
all over the country gaining wealth, and see their desire to give us lands which
are worthless. . . . The earth and myself are of one mind.
The measure of the land and the measure of our bodies are the same.
Say to us if you can say it, that you were sent by the Creative Power to
talk to us. Perhaps you think the
Creator sent you here to dispose of us as you see fit.
If I thought you were sent by the Creator I might be induced to think you
had a right to dispose of me. Do
not misunderstand me, but understand me fully with reference to my affection for
the land. I never said the land was
mine to do with it as I chose. The
one who has the right to dispose of it is the one who has created it.
I claim a right to live on my land, and accord you the privilege to live
on yours.
--Heinmot Tooyalaket (Chief Joseph) of the Nez Percés