read the Chief Joseph’s speech “I Will Fight No More Forever.” Read the introduction and the speech.
“I Will Fight No More Forever”
Chief Joseph
Introduction
In 1877, the U.S. government ordered members of the Nez Percé Nation to move off their lands in western Oregon onto a reservation in Idaho. Instead, about 800 Nez Percés tried to escape to Canada. This group included Hin-mah-too-yah-latkekt, more commonly known as Chief Joseph. The Nez Percé traveled over 1,500 miles of mountainous terrain in their attempt to escape. They fought many battles with pursuing U.S. troops, only to be halted just 40 miles from the safety of the Canadian border. On October 5, the exhausted survivors surrendered. Chief Joseph’s speech has become a famous symbol of the resistance and conquest of Native Americans in the West.
In this discussion, you will discuss Chief Joseph’s speech. Using your knowledge from the text and Chief Joseph’s speech, what can be said about the treatment of Native Americans during this time period? How might many Native Americans have felt? Do you think you would have agreed with Chief Joseph if you were one of the chiefs to whom he was speaking? Why or why not?
Speech:
Hear me, my chiefs! I am tired. My heart is sick and sad. From where the sun now stands, I will fight no more forever.
Our ancestors, the proud and mighty Nez Percé, have suffered greatly at the hands of the white man. They have taken our lands, destroyed our way of life, and killed our people. We have tried to live in peace, but they have shown us nothing but betrayal and deceit.
We have fought bravely against the U.S. troops, but we are outnumbered and outgunned. We have lost many warriors in battle, and many more have died from sickness and starvation. Our women and children suffer greatly. Our horses are tired and can go no further.
I know that many of you want to continue the fight, to seek revenge for the wrongs that have been done to us. But I say to you, my brothers, it is time to lay down our weapons and surrender. We cannot win this war. We cannot outrun the white man forever. It is time to make peace with our enemies and try to rebuild our lives.
I know that it is a bitter pill to swallow, to give up our freedom and submit to the will of the white man. But I believe that it is the only way forward for our people. We must find a way to coexist with them, to live in harmony with them, if we are to survive.
So, my chiefs, I ask you to join me in laying down our weapons and surrendering to the U.S. troops. Let us make peace with our enemies and try to rebuild our lives. Let us show them that we are a proud and noble people, worthy of their respect and friendship.
I will fight no more forever.
no just answer the questions: In this discussion, you will discuss Chief Joseph’s speech. Using your knowledge from the text and Chief Joseph’s speech, what can be said about the treatment of Native Americans during this time period? How might many Native Americans have felt? Do you think you would have agreed with Chief Joseph if you were one of the chiefs to whom he was speaking? Why or why not?
During this time period, the treatment of Native Americans by the U.S. government was unjust and oppressive. Native Americans were forced off their lands, their way of life was destroyed, and they faced violence and betrayal from the white settlers and troops. The government's actions were fueled by a desire for expansion and control of Native American territories, leading to the displacement and suffering of many indigenous peoples.
Many Native Americans during this time period would have felt anger, frustration, sadness, and a sense of loss. They would have felt betrayed by the broken promises and mistreatment they experienced at the hands of the government and settlers. The forced removal from their lands and the continuous conflicts with U.S. troops would have created a deep sense of injustice and despair among Native American populations.
If I were one of the chiefs to whom Chief Joseph was speaking, I likely would have agreed with his decision to surrender. As much as the desire for revenge and resistance may have been strong, the reality of the situation – being outnumbered, exhausted, and facing immense challenges – would have made it clear that continuing the fight would only result in further suffering and loss. Chief Joseph's call for peace and surrender, while difficult to accept, would ultimately have been a practical and wise decision for the survival and well-being of the Nez Percé people.