Powerful Quotes from Native Americans and Indigenous Peoples
Native Americans and Indigenous Peoples make up a big part of the U.S. population. Today, there are 574 federally recognized Native American tribes, plus an estimated 400 more that are unrecognized, that speak nearly 200 different Indigenous languages, making for incredible diversity in culture and way of life.
Thankfully, the representation of Native Americans and Indigenous Peoples in the arts, sciences and more is growing. More than 20 acting members of Congress identify as Native American, and eight more will be running for seats in November. Star Wars: A New Hope was just dubbed in the Ojibwa language. And the Cherokee Nation just opened up its first film school, answering the community's demands for more Indigenous filmmakers.
As the community continues to create lasting contributions to our world, and blaze a trail into the future, here are inspirational quotes from famous Native Americans and Indigenous Peoples people to help celebrate now and all year long.
What is the correct terminology? In the U.S., the most common term is “Native American,” but many people use or prefer “Indigenous” or “American Indian.” On its website, the National Museum of the American Indian states that “Native people prefer to be called by their specific tribal name.” Recognizing specific tribes and the differences between them honors the rich legacy of indigenous culture in our nation. Make it a habit to ask what term or tribe name a person prefers.
“Things which do not grow and change are dead things.” — Louise Erdrich, Pulitzer Prize-winning author and member of the Turtle Mountain Band of Chippewa Indians of North Dakota.
“I release you, my beautiful and terrible fear. I release you. You were my beloved and hated twin, but now, I don’t know you as myself.” – Joy Harjo, three-time poet laureate, award-winning author and citizen of the Muscogee Nation.
“We only have one earth. Let’s take care of it.” – Deb Haaland, American politician and member of the Laguna Pueblo.
“Don’t live up to your stereotypes.” – Sherman Alexie, award-winning poet, novelist and short story writer. He has ancestry from several tribes and grew up on the Spokane Indian Reservation.
“If anything at all, perfection is not when there is nothing to add, but when there is nothing left to take away.” – Maria Tallchief, America’s first major prima ballerina and a member of the Osage tribe.
“I like to be able to raise people’s consciousness, yes. And to remind that those of us involved in the receiving end of the oppression, we have a duty.” – Wes Studi, Cherokee actor and filmmaker.
“The secret of our success is that we never, never give up.” – Wilma Mankiller, the first recognized principal chief of the Cherokee Nation.
“Let us put our minds together and see what life we can make for our children.” – Sitting Bull, Hunkpapa Lakota chief who famously resisted the U.S. government policies.
“If you believe in the power of words, you can bring about physical changes in the universe.” – N. Scott Momaday, Pulitzer Prize winning author and member of the Kiowa tribe.
“Sometimes dreams are wiser than waking.” – Black Elk, leader of the Oglala Lakota people and second cousin to war hero Crazy Horse.
“It does not require many words to speak the truth.” – Chief Joseph, leader of the wal-lam-wat-kain (Wallowa) band of Nez Perce.
“That hand is not the color of yours, but if I prick it, the blood will flow, and I shall feel pain. The blood is of the same color as yours. God made me, and I am a Man.” – Standing Bear, Ponca chief and Native American activist.
“History is a narrative; it’s a collection of stories sanctioned by the ruling power, and reinforced through words and images that suit them. That was the whole point of taking on history painting: to authorize these moments that have been swept under the rug for generations.” – Kent Monkman, Cree modern artist.
“The land is sacred. These words are at the core of your being. The land is our mother, the rivers our blood. Take our land away, and we die. That is, the Indian in us dies.” – Mary Brave Bird, writer, activist and member of the Lakota.
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