I know Great Spirit is looking down upon me from above, and will hear what I say.
Sitting BullRead
God made me an Indian, but not a reservation Indian.
Interpretation
What this quote means
This quote expresses pride in one's heritage while rejecting imposed limitations.
Sitting Bull emphasizes the distinction between being an individual of Native American descent and being stereotyped or confined by government-sanctioned roles and identities. By stating that he is not a 'reservation Indian,' he highlights the importance of personal identity and autonomy beyond societal expectations and restrictions.
Themes
IdentityHeritageAutonomyIndividualityPride
In practice
Example use cases
In a discussion about indigenous rights and identity, this quote can be used to emphasize the importance of personal identity.
More from Sitting Bull
All quotes βI want to tell you that if the Great Spirit had chosen anyone to be the chief of this country, it is myself.
Sitting BullRead
Is it wrong for me to love my own? Is it wicked for me because my skin is red? Because I am Sioux? Because I was born where my father lived? Because I would die for my people and my country?
Sitting BullRead
When I was a boy, the Sioux owned the world. The sun rose and set on their land; they sent ten thousand men to battle. Where are the warriors today? Who slew them? Where are our lands? Who owns them?
Sitting BullRead
Therefore, I do not wish to consider any proposition to cede any portion of our tribal holdings to the Great Father.
Sitting BullRead
I wish it to be remembered that I was the last man of my tribe to surrender my rifle.
Sitting BullRead
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