Do you see yon woods? Do you see yon trees? W shall cut…
““Do you see yon woods? Do you see yon trees? W shall cut them down and build new houses and live as our fathers did. We will dance when our laws command us to dance, we will feast when our hearts command us to feast. Do we ask the white man "Do as the Indian does"? No, we do not. Why then do you ask us "Do as the white man does"? It is a strict law that bids us dance. It is a strict law that bids us distribute our property among our friends and neighbors. It is a good law. Let the white man observe his law, we shall observe ours. And now if you are come to forbid us, begone, if not, you will be welcome to us. - Kwakiutl chief””
About This Quote
This interpretation was drafted with AI assistance. It is one reading of the quote, not the author's own explanation.
A chief asserts indigenous law and tradition over imposed white laws, defending cultural autonomy and property sharing.
In simple terms: Chief defends native law and tradition against external rules.
Key Takeaway
Uphold cultural autonomy.
Themes
indigenous rights
law
tradition
autonomy
property
Mood
defiant
proud
Type
Indians:1
Indian Does:0
Shall Observe:0
Observe Law:1
Trees Shall:0
Dance Laws:0
When to use this quote
- community governance
- land rights
Key Concepts
colonialism
cultural preservation
Questions to Reflect On
- What does law mean to your community?
- How can traditions coexist with external laws?
A Different Perspective
Cultural resistance may face oppression.