Indian Surrender

Upon surrendering to the United States Army in 1890, Chief Joseph the Younger 0840-1904) of the Nez Perce Indians spoke the following Words:

“. . . 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.”

Imagine you are a Nez Perce Indian. Explain how you would feel after bearing these words. Then imagine you are a US. soldier who has been fighting against the Nez Perce Indians. Explain how you would feel after bearing Chief Joseph's words.

Buffalo and the Indians

Many Indians relied on the millions of buffalo that once roamed the Great Plains for their survival, and they made the most of these great mammals. They made clothing, moecasins, tepees, furniture, and drums, among other things, from buffalo hides. They ate buffalo meat and used it in religious ceremonies. They made food, paint, and Cosmetics from buffalo fat and marrow. They used buffalo fur ceremonially and to make rope. They used buffalo hoofs ceremonially and to make tools and glue. They used the buffalo’s bladder as a storage pouch, They even used buffalo dung as fuel.

What can we learn about conservation from the way the Great Plains Indians made use of the buffalo? Brainstorm a list of ways you can conserve natural resources. Choose one and persuade others how and why they should adopt the conservation measures you suggest.

The Indian Removal Act of 1830

President Andrew Jackson (1 767-1845) believed that the only Way to end the fighting between Whites and Native Americans Was to “remove” all Indians from lands east of the Mississippi. To this end, he helped pass the Indian Removal Act of 1830. This law evicted major Indian tribes from 1and east of the Mississippi and sent them to“Indian Territory,” in the West.To the Indians, who were reluctant to move, he said, “Young chiefs, forget the prejudices [attachment] you feel for the soil of your birth.”

Do you think the United States government had the right to tell Native Americans to move? Explain why or why not. With do you think of President Jackson's suggestion that Native Americans ignore their attachment to their homeland? How do you think you would have felt upon receiving such a request? What do you think you would have done?