I know Great Spirit is looking down upon me from above, and will hear what I say.
Sitting BullRead
Only seven years ago we made a treaty by which we were assured that the buffalo country should be left to us forever. Now they threaten to take that from us also.
Interpretation
This quote reflects on broken promises and the struggles of indigenous peoples in retaining their land.
Sitting Bull's quote highlights the deep sense of betrayal felt by Native Americans when treaties meant to protect their lands were disregarded. It serves as a poignant reminder of the historical injustices faced by indigenous communities, emphasizing the ongoing conflict between their rights and the interests of external forces seeking to exploit their territories.
In practice
During a speech about land rights, one could use this quote to illustrate the ongoing struggles of native populations.
I know Great Spirit is looking down upon me from above, and will hear what I say.
I want to tell you that if the Great Spirit had chosen anyone to be the chief of this country, it is myself.
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?
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?
Therefore, I do not wish to consider any proposition to cede any portion of our tribal holdings to the Great Father.
I wish it to be remembered that I was the last man of my tribe to surrender my rifle.
That I am a monk and you are a layman is of no importance ... rather that we are both in the light of the Holy Spirit ... Acquire peace, and thousands around you will be saved.
The naked truth is always better than the best-dressed lie.
The fragrance of sandalwood and rosebay does not travel far. But the fragrance of virtue rises to the heavens.
Brittle masculinity, in the right setting, becomes political atrocity. Strength brings problems; weakness brings others, but weakness posing as strength is the most dangerous of all.
In an age where community involvement and partnerships with civil society are increasingly being recognized as indispensable, there is clearly a growing potential for cooperative development and renewal worldwide.
It is no small misfortune and disgrace that, through our own fault, we neither understand our nature nor our origin.
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