Tuesday, April 21, 2009

Never sell your land

As Chief Joseph's father lay dying he said,

"My son, my body is returning to my mother earth, and my spirit is going soon to see the Great Spirit Chief. When I am gone, think of your country. You are the chief of these people. They look to you to guide them. Always remember that your father never sold his country.

You must stop your ears whenever you are asked to sign a treaty selling your home. A few more years and the white men will be all around you. They have their eyes on this land. My son, never forget my dying words. This country holds your father's body. Never sell the bones of your father and your mother."

[Quoted from Vine Deloria, Jr's God is Red: A Native View of Religion, pp. 172-173.]