Essay

Hope Wolfgram
Mrs. Boresen
Exp. Writing, 4th Hour
Essay
1/29/2009

Young Chief Joseph

There are many different Native American tribes and Chiefs; some of them have become famous all around the world and are inseparably linked to our country’s history from its earliest beginnings through generations of growth. All the chiefs who were all leaders in a great struggle to preserve treasured lands and life ways have truly been and inspiration to me in many ways. Young Chief Joseph has been my hero right from the very start. I would like to interest you in talking about the tribe of Chief Joseph, his background, old Joseph’s wisdom to young Joseph, and young Joseph’s famous surrender speech which turned his life around and his people as well.

The Nez Perce (“Pierced Nose,” a name given these Indians by French trappers because some tribal members once wore shell ornaments in their noses). (Famous Indians, 38). Their present boundaries were of Washington, Idaho, and Oregon. The Nez Perce people were a strong, intelligent, and populous people. The tribe gave up most of their gathering territory to the U.S. under the 1855 treaty. (500 Nations, 409). Oregon’s fertile Wallowa Valley, was led by Chief Joseph; young Chief Joseph’s father. Young Chief Joseph was born around 1840 and died when he was about 64 years old in the year 1904. His real name was Hinmaton-yalatkit (referring to “thunder coming up over the land from the water”), has become famous as Chief Joseph. Joseph was a Christian and a lifelong friend of white missionaries, settlers, and explorers. He was made the leader while still a young man, not as a warrior or hunter, but because of his superior intelligence and remarkable strength of character. (Famous Indians, 38). I guess you could say he inherited it from his father.

Young Joseph and his followers continued to occupy the Wallowa Valley, and for time they were left in relative peace. As Old Joseph was nearing his death, he looked into the future and warned his son. His words were, “When I am gone, think of your country. You are the chief of these people. They look to you to guide them. A few more years and the whites will be all around you. They have their eyes on this land. My son, never forget my dying words: Never sell the bones of your father and mother.” (Famous Indians, 38). This is an extremely deep saying to me because it shows how wise Joseph’s father was. He knew that the white people would take over their land and it would be up to Young Chief Joseph to guide his people in the right direction.

On October 5, 1877, about 30 miles of the Canadian border, Nez Perce was cut off by fresh troops, and Joseph was forced to admit defeat. (500 Nations, 409). His surrender speech was recorded by General Howard’s adjutant and has gone down in history as the symbol of Nez Perce dignity and courage. Joseph’s words were, “Tell General Howard I know his heart. What he told me before I have in my heart. I am tired of fighting. Our chiefs are killed. Looking Glass is dead. Toohoolhoolzote is dead. The old men are all dead. It is the young men who say yes and no. He who led the young men is dead. It is cold and we have no blankets. The little children are freezing to death. My people, some of them, have run away to the hills, and have no blankets; no food; no one knows where they are, perhaps freezing to death. I want to have time to look for my children and see how many I can find. Maybe I shall find them among the dead. Hear me, my chiefs. I am tired. My heart is sick and sad. From where the sun now stands, I will fight no more forever.” (Famous Indians, 39). After several years in Indian Territory (Oklahoma) in 1885, Joseph and most of his followers were sent to Colville Reservation in Washington, where he died in 1904, still and exile (banished from his native land) from his beloved valley. (http:/dictionary.reference.com/).

Chief Joseph was the most loving, caring, inspirational, and brave hearted chiefs to ever live. I hope you have learned a lot about the Nez Perce Tribe, Young Chief Joseph’s background, his father’s wisdom to him before he passed away, and his brave surrender speech to the U.S. Army. I am greatly inspired by Chief Joseph’s wisdom and bravery towards his people and towards the U.S. Army. He who will go down in history for his belief that every man whether he is white or not has a right to live will be cherished and be remembered in great honor of his people.