I should never have surrendered. I should have fought until I was the last man alive.

I was born on the prairies where the wind blew free and there was nothing to break the light of the sun. I was born where there were no enclosures.

I was no chief and never had been, but because I had been more deeply wronged than others, this honor was conferred upon me, and I resolved to prove worthy of the trust.

I was warmed by the sun, rocked by the winds and sheltered by the trees as other Indian babes. I can go everywhere with a good feeling.

I was born where there were no enclosures.

I should never have surrendered. I should have fought until I was the last man alive.

While living I want to live well.