am tired; my heart is sick and sad. From where the sun now stands I will fight no more forever." - Chief Joseph, Nez Percê Tribe, 1877
The quote you mentioned is indeed from Chief Joseph, the leader of the Nez Percê Tribe, in 1877. These were his words surrendering to the U.S. Army after a long and arduous journey of resistance against forced relocation. It reflects the exhaustion and heartache he felt after witnessing the suffering and displacement of his people.
The Nez Percê Tribe, known for their friendly relations with white settlers, were forcibly removed from their ancestral lands in Oregon and Idaho by the U.S. government in the late 19th century. Chief Joseph and his people fled in an attempt to seek refuge in Canada, engaging in a strategic retreat and maneuvering through a series of battles and skirmishes.
After months of evading the U.S. Army, Chief Joseph and his remaining followers were eventually cornered in the Bear Paw Mountains of Montana. Realizing the futility of further resistance and the dwindling chances of escape, Chief Joseph delivered his famous speech, which has since become a poignant symbol of Native American resilience and the devastating impact of colonization.
In his words, "From where the sun now stands, I will fight no more forever," Chief Joseph expressed his resignation to the harsh reality of defeat and acceptance of the circumstances facing his people. It marked the end of their struggle for freedom and self-determination, as they were forcibly relocated to reservations far from their ancestral lands.
Chief Joseph's speech serves as a poignant reminder of the immense loss and suffering endured by Native American tribes throughout history. It also highlights their continued resilience in the face of adversity and their ongoing fight for justice, recognition, and the preservation of their cultural heritage.