Crazy Horse Quotes

It takes a strong effort on the part of each American Indian not to become Europeanized. The strength for this effort can only come from the traditional ways, the traditional values that our elders retain.

There must be in their [the Indian's] social bond, something singularly captivating, and far superior to anything to be boasted among us; for thousands of Europeans are Indians, and we have no examples of even one of those Aborigines having from choice become Europeans.

The time has come to allow tribal governments to stand free—independent, responsible and accountable.

... the rights of the first Americans to remain Indians while exercising their rights as Americans.

I don't think the approach is to simply give them [the Indian tribes] money, because too much money has disappeared in Indian country, too much has been mismanaged. The history of Indian country is the disappearance of money.

There is a perception of the general irrelevance of aboriginal culture….We haven't gone anywhere. We still exist. …. Get the hell out of our lives and give us our land back.

[Tribal] Sovereignty is just a means to an end. The end is healthy, happy and safe communities.

The proper treatment of the original occupants of this land—the Indians is one deserving of careful study. I will favor any course toward them which tends to their civilization and ultimate citizenship.

It's time to bring dignity, honor, self-reliance, and self-government to people that have been held, not necessarily in bondage, but certainly as supplicants under an Indian Act that is archaic.

All preceding experiments for the improvement of the Indians have failed. It seems now to be an established fact that they cannot live in contact with a civilized community and prosper.

Freedom is the red man's heritage, the precious boon of his nomadic life; and retaining that, he will assume a friendly attitude toward other men if assured of their good-will and love of peace.

Brother when we came here to relate our grievances about our lands, we expected to have something done for us .... You are not to expect to hear of me any more, and brother we desire to hear no more of you.

Our people live in a limbo culture that is not quite Indian and not quite White either …. If you can get each person to be proud of himself, little by little, you can get the whole tribe to be proud.

The utmost good faith shall always be observed toward the Indians; their lands and properties shall never be taken from them without their consent.

We must frequently promote their [Native Americans] interest against their inclination.

You cannot turn the clock back, you cannot give the island of Manhattan back to the indigenous, but on the other hand, you can ensure that the indigenous can maintain their way of life.

They [the American Indians] have claims on the magnanimity and, I may add, on the justice of this nation which we must all fill. We should become their real benefactors; we should perform the office of their Great Father, the endearing title which they emphatically give to the Chief Magistrate of our Union.

We turn now to plotting our own destinies, setting our own agendas. We are determined. We know what we want. Nation to nation—a bilateral process with the Canadian government.

Indians have heard fine words and promises long enough. They are right in asking for deeds.

I would rather die as an Indian than live as a white man.

[Let us] Hope that no unjust means are used to deceive and mislead the Indians in a matter of so much interest to them.

I do not talk English very much… I go down Washington… Government wants to open the Indian country. Indian he no ready yet, maybe half of it, they ready. That’s what I come for. That’s what I tell commissioner.

You said that you wanted to put us upon a reservation, to build our houses and make us medicine lodges. I do not want them. I was born upon the prairie, where the wind blew free, and there was nothing to break the light of the sun. I was born where there were no enclosures, and where everything drew a free breath. I want to die there, and not within walls.

The utmost good faith shall always be observed towards the Indians; their lands and property shall never be taken from them without their consent; and, in their property, rights, and liberty, they shall never be invaded or disturbed…

My efforts to raise the consciousness of Whites who are so against Indians in the States are bound to be stopped by the FBI sooner or later. But, no sweat, I'm Indian all the way and always will be. I'm not going to stop fighting until I die, and I hope I am a good example of a human and my tribe