My people were divided about surrendering.

We did not know there were other people besides the Indian until about one hundred winters ago, when some men with white faces came to our country.

When I think of our condition, my heart is heavy. I see men of my own race treated as outlaws and driven from country to country, or shot down like animals.

All men were made brothers. The earth is the mother of all people, and all people should have equal rights upon it. You might as well expect the rivers to run backward as that any man who was born free should be content when penned up and denied liberty to go where he pleases.

You might as well expect rivers to run backwards as any man born free to be contented penned up.

When the last deer disappears into the morning mist, When the last elk vanishes from the hills, When the last buffalo falls on the plains, I will hunt mice for I am a hunter and I must have my freedom.

Our people could not talk with these white-faced men, but they used signs which all people understand.