CHIEF JOSEPH'S STATEMENT

"The earth was created by the assitance 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."
Chief Joseph - Heinmot Tooyalaket (Nez-Perce)

CRAZY HORSE - LAKOTA WARRIOR

"One does not sell the land people walk on"

Sept.23, 1875. Crazy Horse, Lakota warrior

          

Crazy Horse was one of the most powerful leader of the Lakota people during the wars between U.S.and Sioux people in the 1800's. Everyone knew he had special powers that were received during a powerful vision he had when still only 13 years old. He was never defeated in any battle, he was only concerned with the welfare of his people, that they could keep their lands and religious ways, as it had been for thousands of years on their sacred lands. But jealousy even among his own people was the main reason why he was killed a few months after he took the hard decision to surrender, besides the fact that the government just wanted to find a little reason to get him out of their context once and for all. It was September 05, 1877, an extremely sad day for the Lakotas...

Art by C.Natali - copyright 1999