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.