Home Page | Gatherings | Events & News | Commentary & Analysis | A.I.M. Riverside Leadership | A.I.M. Riverside | A.I.M. Community Programs | California Indian History | Vision - Strategies & Concepts | AIM Issues | Education & Careers | Govt Political Resources | Warriors / Veterans | Getting Involved | Suggested Reading | Links

Indian Quotes & Comments

"That takes dedication and faith in Indian people that somehow, someday, Indians will UNITE and become the force that they should."
Vine Deloria, 1968, published article, "The Sentinel"

Comment: Today is a new beginning for our people. Our successful offensive campaign is now in the courts, legislative and economic arena… and we are winning.

……....

“We were taught to believe that the Great Spirit sees and hears everything, and that he never forgets; that hereafter he will give every man a spirit-home according to his deserts… This I believe, and all my people believe the same”.
Chief Joseph, Nez Perce, 1840-1904.

Comment: So for all you wannabe and pseudo Indians, imitating our ceremonies for monies - while selling our culture like a drive thru Big Mac, it is not too late to change, for someday – our spirits will know the Great Mystery.

….……

You say, “Why do not the Indians till the ground and live as we do?” May we not ask with equal propriety, “Why do not the White people hunt and live as we do?”
Old Tassel, Cherokee

Comment: Why does anyone care or force others to be like them. That is not free will nor the Euro American Way.

……….

“Our fathers gave us many laws, which they had learned from their fathers. Those laws were good. They told us to treat all men as they treated us, that we should never be the first to break a bargain, that it was a disgrace to tell a lie, that we should only speak the truth.”
Chief Joseph, Nez Perce 1840-1904

Comment: Too bad the dominate culture did not live by these words. For if they had things would have been considerably different.

……....

“Everything - passed down - from the Great Spirit - is a gift. How dare - others -demand payment - for a gift -that is not theirs- to give? “
Author, Marty Hiles. 2005

Comment: Just understand, if you take from others, so shall other take from you, for that is the law of the universe, for everything has to be in balance. For without balance the universe would seize to exist.

……..….

“I will follow the white man’s trail. I will take him as my friend, but I will not bend my back to his burdens. I will be cunning as a coyote. I will ask him to understand his ways, then I will prepare the way for my children, and their children. The Great Spirit has shown me – a day will come when they will outrun the white man in his own shoes. “
By Many Horses

Comment: Learn their legal and political system - then beat them at their own game. That is AIM’s strategy.

…..…..

“When a man does a piece of work which is admired by all we say that it is wonderful; but when we see the changes of day and night, the sun, the moon, and the stars in the sky, and the changing seasons upon the earth, with their ripening fruits, anyone must realize that it is the work of someone more powerful than man.”

Comment: For all of you with big egos and greed in you heart, open your eyes for the power for the creator will touch you some day if not in this life or then the next.

…….….

“If the white man wants to live in peace with the Indian he can live in peace. There need be no trouble. Treat all men alike. Give them the same law. Give them all an even chance to live and grow. . . . all people should have equal rights. . . . I have asked some of the great white chiefs where they get their authority. . . . They can not tell me.”

"I only ask of the government to be treated as all other men are treated. . . .We ask that the same law shall work alike on all men. . . .with one sky above us and one country around us, and one government for all. . . .that all people may be one people."
--Chief Joseph of the Nez Perce in a speech on January 14, 1879 to President
Rutherford B. Haynes and a large gathering of cabinet members, congressmen,
diplomats generals and others.

Comment: If I had to explain this one, you would never understand.

……….

“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."
Tecumseh, Shawnee, 1768-1813

Comment: It is an honor to die for your people. A Warrior eats last and dies first.

……....

“The smarter a man is the more he needs God to protect him from thinking he knows everything. “
George Webb, Pima Indian

Comment: Being humble is like a poker game, others will eagerly show you their poker hand first. So stay humble it’s the cornerstone of character.

……….

“We must be united… We must smoke the same pipe…We must fight each other’s battles… and more than that, we must love the Great Spirit.”
Tecumseh, Shawnee, 1768-1813

Comment: Tecumseh was visionary & the greatest Uniter of Indians. He knew that united we win, divided we loss. Now is time to unite as a force for a greater cause, our people, our culture, our sovereignty.

……...

“These are all young men. I am their Chief. Look among them and see if you can find among hem who are rich. They are all poor because they are all honest.”
Red Dog, Oglala Sioux, 1870

Comment: An AIM warrior has always been one who protects the people, who stands with dignity and courage in the face of danger. When lies & corruption dominate, a warrior creates new truths and leadership for the people to believe for a warrior is humble and spiritual.

……..

“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.”
Chief Joseph, Nez Perce, 1840 – 1904

Comment: If Christians had followed the true teaching of Jesus, America could have avoided all the tragic problems that Indian people faced at the hands of Europeans. Unfortunately, Greed and Ego supported by a corrupt church had their own agenda.

……….

“Why don’t you talk and go straight and all will be well.
Black Kettle, Southern Cheyenne Chief.”

Comment: It is a shame the dominate culture did not take this advice & avoid all the legal battles today that burdens not only Indian country, but the U.S. tax payers who have to pay for their governments past actions.

……….

“When you see a new trail or a footprint you do not know, follow it to the point of knowing.”
Uncheedah, Santee Sioux

Comment: Knowledge is power and that is how we are going to over come the dominate cultures legal and political system.
……….

“What is man without the beast? If all the beast were gone, men would die from great loneliness of spirit, for whatever happens to the beast also happens to man. All things are connected. Whatever befalls the earth befalls the children of the earth.”
Chief Seattle 1785-1866.

Comment: What world do you want to leave your children and grandchildren?

……....

“Do not speak of evil, for it creates curiosity in the minds of the young.”
Lakota Sioux Proverb

Comment: So remember; Children learn and emulate behavior from the adults around them. Be a positive roll model for you are an ambassador of your culture.

……....

“Though we are powerful and strong, and we know how to fight, we do not wish to fight.”
Cherokee Adage

Comment: Sadly, 400 hundreds later and we are still fighting for cultural survival.

……....

A.I.M. Mission Statement

The American Indian Movement Riverside is a proactive advocacy and educational organization concerned with promoting the unity and security of Indian communities, families, and drug free youth programs. The organization is dedicated to representing the many interests and concerns of all Native American Indian people, particularly renewal of spirituality to empower Indian people with dignity regarding political, social and legal issues, including cultural traditions and inherent sovereign rights.

Make A Donation Supporting Our Positive Community Work in Indian Country.

aimpin4.gif

A.I.M. Riverside Chapter

P.O. Box 135

Mountain Center, California 92561

aim@aimriverside.org

AIM DISCLAIMER: The American Indian Movement its Chapters and Support Groups do not support, nor condone Violence or acts of Malicious behavior. Such behavior by individuals acting on their own, do not represent AIM. AIM is a spiritual movement of committed individuals who walk the red path of tolerance, peace and respecting all life as sacred.

Any questions or comments regarding actions, events, etc., involving or regarding participation of ANY American Indian Movement Group or Individual, please contact us at aim@aimriverside.org

Site Established Dec 2005

COMMENTS & QUESTIONS (Tag Here) Web Site Designed by Marty Fire Rider