Chief Seattle

"The President in Washington sends word that he wishes to buy our land. But how can you buy or sell the sky? the land? The idea is strange to us. If we do not own the freshness of the air and the sparkle of the water, how can you buy them?"
-Chief Seattle

Chief Seattle was a warrior, a leader, and an orator. I was very interested in Chief Seattle so I did some research, and really enjoyed it! He formed personal realationships with white settlers mainly to benefit and protect his people. The quote in the beginning of the blog is from a letter Chief Seattle wrote to the American Government in the 1800s. He uses the image of God to make a valid point to his arguments. He does not want to give up the land to the white settlers. To Chief Seattle and the Suquamish Indians, the land is holy to them. The ancestors of the indians shed their blood to protect the land. Chief Seattle finds it ridiculous for the US President to tromple over the land the indians have fought for.

I found Chief Seattle's letter a brilliant piece of work.