We have been south and suffered a great deal down there…
““We have been south and suffered a great deal down there. Many have died of diseases which we have no name for. Our hearts looked and longed for this country where we were born. There are only a few of us left, and we only wanted a little ground, where we could live. We left our lodges standing, and ran away in the night. The troops followed us. I rode out and told the troops we did not want to fight; we only wanted to go north, and if they would let us alone we would kill no one. The only reply we got was a volley. After that we had to fight our way, but we killed none who did not fire at us first. My brother, Dull Knife, took one-half of the band and surrendered near Fort Robinson. [...] They gave up their guns, and then the whites killed them all.””
About This Quote
This interpretation was drafted with AI assistance. It is one reading of the quote, not the author's own explanation.
Forced migration and oppression led to tragedy and loss for his people.
In simple terms: Displacement caused suffering and death.
Key Takeaway
Recognize and remember historical injustices.
Themes
history
genocide
indigenous rights
survival
trauma
Mood
somber
reflective
Type
Aboriginals:1
First-nations:1
First-peoples:1
Genocide:1
Native americans:1
Natives:1
U-s-history:0
Us history:0
South Suffered:0
Surrendered Near:0
Fort Robinson:0
Robinson Gave:0
Whites Killed:1
When to use this quote
- education
- activism
- memorials
Key Concepts
anthropology
human rights
history
Questions to Reflect On
- How can we honor the memory of displaced peoples?
- What actions prevent repeat of such tragedies?
A Different Perspective
Complexities of historical narratives may be oversimplified.