Native American Quotes – Great Words From Great Americans
The tapestry of Native American history is woven with threads of resilience, wisdom, and a profound connection to the land. Across generations, leaders, healers, and storytellers of various tribes have articulated profound truths that resonate even today. These Native American Quotes offer glimpses into the values, beliefs, and struggles of a people who have faced immense challenges while striving to preserve their heritage. This compilation serves as a testament to the enduring spirit and the eloquent voices of the original inhabitants of this land.
These powerful Native American Quotes are not mere historical relics; they are living testaments to a worldview that emphasizes harmony with nature, respect for elders, and the importance of community. They speak of a time when the land was revered as a sacred entity, a provider and a source of spiritual sustenance. Through their words, we can begin to understand the deep sense of loss experienced by Native Americans as their ancestral lands were encroached upon and their traditional ways of life were disrupted.
The quotes presented here, are from different Nations, from the eloquent reflections on the nature of existence to impassioned pleas for justice and recognition, these Native American Quotes capture the essence of a people who have much to teach us about living in balance with the world around us.
Delving into these Native American Quotes, one discovers recurring themes of connection to the land, the importance of tradition, the pain of displacement, and the longing for peace and justice. These sentiments are not confined to the past; they continue to resonate within Native American communities today as they strive to maintain their cultural identity and advocate for their rights.
Spanning diverse tribal affiliations and historical periods, the quotes offer a multifaceted perspective on the Native American experience. They invite us to reflect on our own values and beliefs and to consider the wisdom embedded within a culture that has long honored the interconnectedness of all living things. Let’s explore these powerful expressions of the Native American spirit.
Spotted Tail
Spotted Tail, a Brulé Lakota chief, articulated the root cause of conflict with the encroaching settlers with stark clarity: "This war did not spring up on our land; this war was brought upon us by the children of the Great Father who came to take our land without a price, and who, in our land, do a great many evil things… This war has come from robbery – from the stealing of our land." His words highlight the fundamental injustice at the heart of the conflict – the seizure of Native American lands without fair compensation or consent. The image of Spotted Tail, a dignified leader with a resolute gaze, serves as a reminder of the strength and determination of the Lakota people in the face of adversity.
Luther Standing Bear
Luther Standing Bear, an Oglala Sioux chief, poetically described the intrinsic connection between Native Americans and their environment: "The American Indian is of the soil, whether it be the region of forests, plains, pueblos, or mesas. He fits into the landscape, for the hand that fashioned the continent also fashioned the man for his surroundings. He once grew as naturally as the wild sunflowers; he belongs just as the buffalo belonged…" His words evoke a sense of belonging and harmony, emphasizing the integral role of Native Americans within the natural world.
Mourning Dove
Mourning Dove, also known as Christine Quintasket, a Salish author and activist, shared insights into the spiritual beliefs of her people: "It was supposed that lost spirits were roving about everywhere in the invisible air, waiting for children to find them if they searched long and patiently enough…[The spirit] sang its spiritual song for the child to memorize and use when calling upon the spirit guardian as an adult." This quote offers a glimpse into the rich tapestry of Salish spirituality, where the connection to the spirit world is nurtured from childhood.
Wooden Leg
Wooden Leg, a Cheyenne warrior, explained the significance of attire in the face of battle: "The idea of a full dress for preparation for a battle comes not from a belief that it will add to the fighting ability. The preparation is for death, in case that should be the result of the conflict. Every Indian wants to look his best when he goes to meet the Great Spirit, so the dressing up is done whether in imminent danger is an oncoming battle or a sickness or injury at times of peace." This quote underscores the spiritual dimension of warfare and the importance of facing death with dignity and respect.
Chief Seattle
Chief Seattle, a Suquamish leader, offered a simple yet profound observation on the nature of existence: "There is no death. Only a change of worlds." This statement encapsulates the Native American belief in the cyclical nature of life and death, suggesting that death is not an end but a transition to another realm.
Aitooweyah
Aitooweyah, in a letter to John Ross, Principal Chief of the Cherokee, expressed the deep love for their ancestral lands: "We, the great mass of the people, think only of the love we have for our land; we do love the land where we were brought up. We will never let our hold to this land go, to let it go it will be like throwing away (our) mother that gave (us) birth." This powerful analogy highlights the inseparable bond between the Cherokee people and their homeland.
Chiksika
Chiksika, a Shawnee leader, pointed out the inherent bias in the historical narrative: "When a white army battles Indians and wins, it is called a great victory, but if they lose, it is called a massacre." This statement exposes the double standard used to describe conflicts between Native Americans and the U.S. military, revealing the dehumanization of Native Americans in the dominant historical narrative.
Chief Dan George
Chief Dan George, a Tsleil-Waututh Nation leader from British Columbia, Canada, emphasized the importance of communication with the natural world: "If you talk to the animals, they will talk with you, and you will know each other. If you do not talk to them, you will not know them, and what you do not know, you will fear. What one fears, one destroys." His words underscore the interconnectedness of all living things and the importance of understanding and respecting the natural world.
Charles Hicks
Charles Hicks, a Cherokee Vice Chief, lamented the forced removal of his people on the Trail of Tears: "We are now about to take our leave and kind farewell to our native land, the country the Great Spirit gave our Fathers; we are on the eve of leaving that country that gave us birth, it is with sorrow we are forced by the white man to quit the scenes of our childhood…we bid farewell to it and all we hold dear." His words convey the profound grief and loss experienced by the Cherokee people as they were forcibly removed from their ancestral lands.
Chief Aupumut
Chief Aupumut, a Mohican leader in 1725, offered guidance on facing death with courage and acceptance: "When it comes time to die, be not like those whose hearts are filled with the fear of death, so when their time comes, they weep and pray for a little more time to live their lives over again in a different way. Sing your death song, and die like a hero going home." This quote reflects the Native American belief in the importance of facing death with dignity and embracing the journey to the afterlife.
Mary Brave Bird
Mary Brave Bird, a Lakota author and activist, articulated the sacredness of the land: "The land is sacred. These words are at the core of your being. The land is our mother, the rivers our blood. Take our land away, and we die. That is, the Indian in us dies." Her words underscore the profound connection between Native American identity and the land.
Tom Brown, Jr.
Tom Brown, Jr., a tracker and survivalist, emphasized the importance of learning from nature: "We learned to be patient observers like the owl. We learned cleverness from the crow and courage from the jay, who will attack an owl ten times its size to drive it off its territory. But above all of them ranked the chickadee because of its indomitable spirit." This quote highlights the Native American practice of observing and learning from the natural world.
Lone Man
Lone Man, a Teton Sioux, recognized the importance of community and collaboration: "I have seen that in any great undertaking, it is not enough for a man to depend simply upon himself." This quote underscores the value of cooperation and interdependence within Native American communities.
Chief Maquinna
Chief Maquinna, a Nootka leader, explained the indigenous system of wealth distribution: "Once I was in Victoria, and I saw a very large house. They told me it was a bank and that the white men place their money there to be taken care of, and that by and by they got it back with interest. We are Indians, and we have no such bank; but when we have plenty of money or blankets, we give them away to other chiefs and people, and by and by they return them with interest, and our hearts feel good. Our way of giving is our bank." This quote contrasts the Western concept of banking with the Native American practice of sharing and reciprocity.
Unknown Inuit
An unknown Inuit poet reflected on the beauty and significance of life: "I think over again my small adventures / My fears, those small ones that seemed so big / For all the vital things I had to get and reach / And yet there is only one great thing / The only thing / To live to see the great day that dawns / And the light that fills the world." This poem captures the appreciation for simple joys and the anticipation of a brighter future.
Qwatsinas
Qwatsinas (Hereditary Chief Edward Moody), of the Nuxalk Nation, spoke of environmental stewardship: "We must protect the forests for our children, grandchildren, and children yet to be born. We must protect the forests for those who can’t speak for themselves, such as the birds, animals, fish, and trees." This quote highlights the Native American commitment to preserving the environment for future generations.
Sogoyewapha
Sogoyewapha, also known as Red Jacket, a Seneca orator, questioned the divisions within Christianity: "Brother, you say there is but one way to worship and serve the Great Spirit. If there is but one religion, why do you white people differ so much about it? Why not all agreed, as you can all read the Book?" This quote exposes the hypocrisy of those who sought to impose their religious beliefs on Native Americans while being divided among themselves.
John Wooden Leg
John Wooden Leg, a Cheyenne warrior, emphasized the historical cost of their land: "Our land is everything to us… I will tell you one of the things we remember on our land. We remember that our grandfathers paid for it – with their lives." This quote underscores the sacrifices made by Native Americans to defend their ancestral lands.
Mourning Dove
Mourning Dove, also known as Christine Quintasket, a Salish author and activist, articulated the interconnectedness of all things: "Everything on the earth has a purpose, every disease an herb to cure it, and every person a mission. This is the Indian theory of existence." This quote reflects the Native American belief in the balance and purpose of all elements within the natural world.
Crazy Horse
Crazy Horse, an Oglala Sioux chief, prophesied a time of healing and unity: "Upon suffering beyond suffering: the Red Nation shall rise again, and it shall be a blessing for a sick world. A world filled with broken promises, selfishness, and separations. A world longing for light again. I see a time of Seven Generations when all the colors of mankind will gather under the Sacred Tree of Life, and the whole Earth will become one circle again… I salute the light within your eyes where the whole Universe dwells. For when you are at that center within you, and I am that place within me, we shall be one." This powerful vision offers hope for a future of unity, healing, and respect for all living things.
Crazy Horse
Crazy Horse, an Oglala Sioux chief, emphasized the importance of having a vision and pursuing it relentlessly: "A very great vision is needed, and the man who has it must follow it as the eagle seeks the deepest blue of the sky." This quote inspires individuals to embrace their vision and pursue their goals with unwavering determination.
Chief Joseph
Chief Joseph, a Nez Perce leader, warned the defenders of Fort Fizzle in Montana: "We are going by you without fighting if you will let us, but we are going by you anyhow!" This defiant statement reflects the Nez Perce’s determination to escape to Canada and avoid further conflict with the U.S. military.
Chief Joseph
Chief Joseph, a Nez Perce leader, called for equal treatment and justice: "Whenever the white man treats the Indian as they treat each other, then we will have no more wars. We shall all be alike—brothers of one father and one another, with one sky above us and one country around us, and one government for all." This quote articulates the fundamental desire for equality and fairness that underpins the Native American struggle for justice.
Sitting Bull
Sitting Bull, a Hunkpapa Sioux leader, asserted the right to self-determination: "I am a red man. If the Great Spirit had desired me to be a white man, he would have made me so in the first place. He put in your heart certain wishes and plans; in my heart, he put other and different desires. Each man is good in his sight. It is not necessary for Eagles to be Crows. We are poor… but we are free. No white man controls our footsteps. If we must die…we die defending our rights." This quote affirms the inherent value and dignity of Native American culture and the right to live according to their own traditions.
Satanta
Satanta, a Kiowa chief, expressed his aversion to settling on a reservation: "I have heard you intend to settle us on a reservation near the mountains. I don’t want to settle. I love to roam over the prairies. There I feel free and happy, but when we settle down we grow pale and die." This quote reflects the Native American preference for a nomadic lifestyle and the detrimental effects of confinement on reservations.
Chief Joseph
Chief Joseph, a Nez Perce leader, eloquently articulated the desire for freedom and equality: "If the white man wants to live in peace with the Indian, he can live in peace…Treat all men alike. Give them all the same law. Give them all an even chance to live and grow. All men were made by the same Great Spirit Chief. They are all brothers. The Earth is the mother of all people, and all people should have equal rights upon it… Let me be a free man, free to travel, free to stop, free to work, free to trade…where I choose my own teachers, free to follow the religion of my fathers, free to think and talk and act for myself, and I will obey every law, or submit to the penalty." This powerful statement encapsulates the core principles of freedom, equality, and self-determination that Native Americans have long fought for.