"FROM WHERE THE SUN NOW STANDS, I WILL FIGHT NO MORE FOREVER"

CHIEF JOSEPH DIES ON COLVILLE RESERVATION

Colville Reservation (JFK+50) On September 21, 1904, Chief Joseph*, the Nez Perce chief who once led his people in an attempt to escape the United States Army and the reservation, died here at the Colville Reservation in Washington State.  Chief Joseph was 64 years old.

The Nez Perce traveled 1170 miles in 3 months before they were cut off in their attempt to reach Canada by a U.S. Army force led by Col. Nelson Miles.  On the day of his surrender, October 5, 1877, Chief Joseph said...

"I am tired of fighting. From where the sun now stands, I will fight no more, forever."

*Chief Joseph, a.k.a. Hinmatoowyalahtqit (1840-1904) was born in the Wallow Valley of Oregon.  His name translates into "Thunder Rolling Down the Mountain."  Joseph succeeded his father as Chief in 1871.

Chief Joseph (1877)

Photo by O.S. Goff

"I WILL FIGHT NO MORE, FOREVER!"

NEZ PERCE CHIEF JOSEPH DIES ON RESERVATION

Colville Reservation, Washington (JFK+50) Chief Joseph*, who once led his people in an attempt to escape the United States Army, died at age 64 of heart failure on September 21, 1904 here at the Colville Reservation.**

Chief Joseph and his Nez Perce tribe were considered"non-treaty" Native Americans. The Chief counseled his people to avoid violence against whites despite wrong-doings against them.

Joseph led his people on a 1170 mile journey in an attempt to avoid capture by the US Army and removal to the reservation.  The Nez Perce were pursued by General O.O. Howard and cut off from escape into Canada just 40 miles from the border in Montana.

Forced then to surrender, Chief Joseph said...

"Hear me my chiefs. I am tired of fighting. From where the sun now stands, I will fight no more, forever."

*Hin-mah-too-yah-lat-kekt, a.k.a. Chief Joseph (1840-1904) was born in the Wallowa Valley of northeastern Oregon.  CJ succeeded his father as chief of the Nez Perce in 1871 & negotiated with the US government for the right of his people to remain in the Wallowa Valley "for as long as the grass shall grow."

**The Colville Reservation is located in north central Washington state.  It was established in 1872 & consists of 2.825 million acres of land.  Many of the young people of the reservation go on to attend Eastern Washington University, Washington State University, Central Washington University, Gonzaga and the University of Washington.

Chief Joseph 

Photo by O.S. Goff

Bismarck, S.D.

Courtesy of Dr. James Brust