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, Native Americans were often mistreated, marginalized, and forcibly removed from their lands by the U.S. government. Chief Joseph's speech highlights the injustices and hardships that Native Americans faced during this era, as he speaks about the broken promises, loss of land, and devastation that his people experienced.
Many Native Americans would have likely felt a deep sense of betrayal, loss, and anger towards the U.S. government for their mistreatment and disregard for their rights and well-being. They likely felt a strong attachment to their land, culture, and way of life, which were being threatened by the encroachment of settlers and government policies.
If I were one of the chiefs to whom Chief Joseph was speaking, I believe I would have agreed with him. His message of unity, determination, and resilience in the face of adversity is powerful and poignant. The call for peace and respect for their rights and sovereignty resonates strongly, and I would have felt compelled to stand with him in the fight to protect our people and our way of life.