- Leader | March 3, 1840 - September 21, 1904
I believe much trouble would be saved if we opened our hearts more.
Chief Joseph
BelieveTroubleI BelieveMoreWould
We had a great many horses, of which we gave Lewis and Clark what they needed, and they gave us guns and tobacco in return.
GreatLewis And ClarkGunsReturnUs
The first white men of your people who came to our country were named Lewis and Clark. They brought many things that our people had never seen. They talked straight. These men were very kind.
MenPeopleWhiteCountryKindNever
An Indian respects a brave man, but he despises a coward.
ManBraveCowardBrave ManHe
War can be avoided, and it ought to be avoided. I want no war.
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A man who would not love his father's grave is worse than a wild animal.
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Some of you think an Indian is like a wild animal. This is a great mistake.
GreatMistakeAnimalThinkYouWild
I would give up everything rather than have the blood of white men upon the hands of my people.
MenPeopleHandsWhiteBloodUp
A chief called Lawyer, because he was a great talker, took the lead in the council, and sold nearly all the Nez Perce country.
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I did not want my people killed. I did not want bloodshed.
PeopleWantDidBloodshed
I pressed my father's hand and told him I would protect his grave with my life. My father smiled and passed away to the spirit land.
LifeFatherMy LifeHandLandHim
Our people could not talk with these white-faced men, but they used signs which all people understand.
MenPeopleUnderstandTalkSigns
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