Chief Seattle's Speech (1854)

Anyone who has read many Native American poems or stories probably knows that one of the most consistent themes in these literary works is man's connection to nature. This theme runs throughout Chief Seattle's Speech. This speech is both eloquent and haunting. It was originally directed at Anglos regarding the loss of tribal lands to white settlers, but it is a speech that today's enviromentalists would likely see as representative of many of their own views.With a wise and knowing voice that speaks from the heart, Chief Seattle reminds us that it is vital to respect the earth because we are part of it. Even after death, his people continued to have a spiritual bond to the places that were special to them. I really love this idea. I also think that the beautiful and sacred bonds between people, animals, and the enviroment are sacred and eternal. If you enjoy reading meaningful literature that reminds you to keep your priorities in order, read Chief Seattle's Speech. To those who like this speech, I recommend novels and poetry by the following authors: Leslie Marmon Silko, Joseph Bruchac, Joy Harjo, and Simon Ortiz.

Anyone who has read many Native American poems or stories probably knows that one of the most consistent themes in these literary works is man's connection to nature. This theme runs throughout The Speech of Chief Seattle. This speech is both eloquent and haunting. It was originally directed at Anglos regarding the loss of tribal lands to white settlers, but it is a speech that today's enviromentalists would likely see as representative of many of their own views.With a wise and knowing voice that speaks from the heart, Chief Seattle reminds us that it is vital to respect the earth because we are part of it. Even after death, his people continued to have a spiritual bond to the places that were special to them. I really love this idea. I also think that the beautiful and sacred bonds between people, animals, and the enviroment are sacred and eternal. If you enjoy reading meaningful literature that reminds you to keep your priorities in order, read The Speech of Chief Seattle. To those who like this speech, I recommend novels and poetry by the following authors: Leslie Marmon Silko, Joseph Bruchac, Joy Harjo, and Simon Ortiz.