Louise Mengelkoch

It would unconventional to find a truly balanced perspective on the Indians. This collection of quotes shows one very positive side and there is some wisdom to be gleaned. Chief Seattle of the Suqwamish and Duamish: "The red man has ever fled the approach of the white man, as the morning mist flees before the morning sun.... It matters little where we pass the remnants of our days. They will not be many. But why should I mourn the untimely fate of my people? Your time of decay may be distant, but it will surely come, for even the white man, whose God walked and talked with him as a friend with friend, cannot be exempt from the common destiny. We may be brothers, after all. We will see." Chief Joseph (Nez Perce): "It does not require many words to speak the truth." Charles Alexander Eastman "Ohiyesa" (Santee Sioux): "It was our belief that the love of possessions is a weakness to be overcome. Its appeal is the the material part, and it allowed its way, it will in time disturb one's spiritual balance." Four Guns (Oglala Sioux): "Many of the white man's ways are past our understanding.... They put a great store upon writing; there is always paper. The white people must think paper has some mysterious power to help them in the world. The Indian needs no writings; words that are true sink deep into his heart, where they remain. He never forgets them. On the other hand, if the white man loses his papers, he is helpless."… (mere)