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.
I understood . . . that those who desired salvation should act like the trustee who, though having control over great possessions, regards not an iota of them as his own.
My advanced age has taught me the resignation of being Borges.
Evil is knowing better, but willingly doing worse.
All that makes existence valuable to any one depends on the enforcement of restraints upon the actions of other people.
The frustrating part of being tagged 'controversial' is people go looking for trouble where there isn't any to look for.
Those who meet Jesus always experience either joy or its opposites, either foretastes of Heaven or foretastes of Hell. Not everyone who meets Jesus is pleased, and not everyone is happy, but everyone is shocked.
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