"Idle No More"

I 

Weep  as  I  Hold 

the Book, with  Encircled 

Arms, close  to  my Chest.

I  think," Dear  God, What  have 

we Done?" 

<<+>> 

"The  Earth  was Created 

by  the  Assistance of  the  Sun,

and  it  should  be  Left as  it Was...

The  Country  was  made Without  Lines of  demarcation,

and  it  is No  Man's  Business  to Divide it...

I  See  the Whites  all  over  the Country  gaining Wealth,

and  See   their  Desire  to Give  us  Lands  that  are Worthless...

The  Earth   and  Myself  are  of  One  Mind.

The  Measure  of  the Land  and  the Measure of  our Bodies are  the Same.

Say  to  us If  you Can  say it,  that  you  were  Sent  by  the Creative Power  to  talk  to us.

Perhaps you  think  the Creator sent  you  Here to dispose  of  us as  you  see  fit.

If   I  Thought  you  were Sent  by  the Creator  I  Might  be  Induced  to Think  you 

had  the  Right  to  dispose of  me.

Do  Not  Misunderstand me,

but  Understand  Fully  with  my Affection  for  the  Land.

I  Never  said  the  Land   was  Mine to  do  as  I  Chose.

The  One  who  has  the Right  to  Dispose  of  it  is  the One  who  has Created it.

I  Claim  a  Right  to  Live on  my  Land,

and  Accord  you  the  Privilege  to  Live  on  yours. 

<<<+>>>

~Heinmot Tooyalaket;

Chief Joseph

Nez Perce

~Beannaichte'

31 January, 2013

@beannaichte.twitter.com