Chief Seattle’s Speech

Chief Seattle was a pacifist and the leader of several tribes that fought against
American colonizers. Chief Seatle was the American Indian chief of the Duwamish and
the Suquamish tribes.

This speech, given in January 1854 and later translated by his friend Dr. Henry A. Smith,
was a response to the American government’s proposal to buy the land of his tribes.

Chief Seattle indirectly rejects the government's proposal, knowing that the white
men wouldn’t respect, value, or protect their land. He highlights that Americans
plunder resources available in one land and then move on in search of richer lands,
without any attachment to the land on which they were born or in which their
ancestors lie buried.

The Chief criticizes the white people's careless attitude towards development and their
overuse of natural resources, which he sees as destroying nature and causing
ecological imbalance. He believes that if Americans continue to exploit the Earth's
resources at the current pace, it won't be long before men perish due to the scarcity
of basic resources. He warns that the white man's greed will ultimately empty the
Earth, leading to the end of life because everything is interconnected.

Summary of the Speech

Unlike the white people, the tribal natives (red Indians) of America live in harmony
with Nature.

• For them, every part of nature is sacred to them.

• Nature has given them everything they wanted to live on this earth.
• His dead ancestors have lived there and they lie buried there.
• It is also the land of their birthplace. They love, care and respect their land and
so understand the importance of maintaining it.

Seattle complains that the white people have no emotional attachment with their
land or family.

• They wander far from their birthplaces and the graves of their dead ancestors
without any regret.
• For them all land is the same and so they want to own more lands all over the
world.
• They are hostile to nature because for them land is just like a gem or animal
which has to be owned, used and then thrown off.
• They pollute the land and use all the available resources without thinking of its
consequences.
• Chief Seattle uses metaphor when he says that he is a savage and hence he
doesn’t understand the civilized attitude and justifications of the white men in
exploiting the resources of the land.

Dr. Annapoorna L.R. pg. 1

 • The Chief says that if they give them their land, the white men should teach
their children to respect the land – its waters, flowers, rivers, trees, air, the sky
etc. – as part of their very self

The tribal natives believe that they are part of God’s Earth.

• They value every element of nature.

• For them, the rivers are like their brothers because it quenches their hunger and
thirst.
• It is on these rivers that they row their small boats in search of food.
• Hence they love and respect the rivers as a brother.
• We feel that every sound of the river is the voice of their dead ancestors.
• They live as one with nature.
• They value the sounds of nature, the beasts, the flowers, mountains and even
the air which is fresh.

However the white man regards themselves as the owner of Earth.

• They have polluted their land and now they wish to buy the land of the natives.
• Chief Seattle says that the white people regard themselves as superior and
supreme to others.
• The Chief reminds him that for God all men are equal; all are the children of God.
• Chief Seattle warns the white men as not to pollute this land also because every
living being shares the same air and so fresh air is precious to us.

The white people also believe that they have received all the love and care of God and
hence wish to rule the world and exploit its natural resources.

• Chief Seattle fears that this greed of white men will empty and destroy Earth.
• And this will in turn cause human perish on Earth because “all things are
connected”.
• If the resources are emptied, then humans cannot survive for long and they too
will perish.
• Whatever happens to Earth will happen to all the creatures of Earth, including
the red and the white men.
• The White men feel that they created Earth.
• The Chief reminds him that we all are only a part of the web (structure) of life
created on Earth by God.
• So if any one tries to destroy Earth which is the home of God, then they will
have to face the anger of God. If this Earth is destroyed, then we will all die.

Dr. Annapoorna L.R. pg. 2

Question and Answer

1. Define the term biodiversity

Biodiversity refers to the variety of life forms in a particular habitat or ecosystem,

including the different species of plants, animals, bacteria, and fungi, as well as the
genetic differences within these species and the ecosystems they form.

2. Who is referred to as the ‘Great Chief in Washington’ in this speech

The ‘Great Chief in Washington’ refers to the President of the United States.

3. How does Chief Seattle consider the ‘murmur of the water’

Chief Seattle considers the ‘murmur of the water’ as the voice of his ancestors,
indicating a deep spiritual connection and respect for nature.

4. How does the white man treat the Mother Earth

The white man treats Mother Earth as a commodity to be owned, used, and exploited
for resources without regard for its long-term health or the spiritual connection to
the land.

5. Occasion of this speech

The speech was given as a response to the American government's proposal to buy the
lands of Chief Seattle's tribes.

6. What are resources

Resources are natural materials or assets that are available and useful for human use,
including water, minerals, forests, and fossil fuels.

7. Chief Seattle’s concept of God as expressed in his speech

Chief Seattle views God as the creator of the earth and all its inhabitants, believing
that all people and elements of nature are interconnected and equally valued in the
eyes of God.

8. Renewable and Non-Renewable Resources

• Renewable Resources: These are resources that can be replenished naturally over
short periods of time, such as sunlight, wind, and biomass.

• Non-Renewable Resources: These are resources that do not replenish quickly and
can be exhausted, such as fossil fuels (coal, oil, natural gas) and minerals.

9. Energy Conservation

Energy conservation involves using less energy by reducing waste and improving
efficiency. It includes practices like using energy-efficient appliances, reducing
unnecessary energy use, and adopting renewable energy sources to preserve resources
and protect the environment.

Dr. Annapoorna L.R. pg. 3

 10. How does Seattle differentiate the tribes from the whites

Seattle differentiates the tribes from the whites by highlighting the tribes' deep
spiritual connection to the land and nature, treating it with reverence and respect,
whereas the whites are depicted as treating the land as a resource to be owned and
exploited without regard for its sanctity or sustainability.

Essay: The Relationship Between Humans and Nature in Chief Seattle's Speech

Chief Seattle's 1854 speech, given in response to the American government's proposal
to buy Native American lands, beautifully explains the deep connection between
humans and nature. His words show how Native Americans see themselves as part of
the natural world, not separate from it, and serve as a warning against the harmful
ways the white settlers treated the land.

Living in Harmony with Nature

Chief Seattle starts by describing how Native Americans live in harmony with nature.
For them, every part of the natural world is sacred and necessary for life. They see the
land, rivers, trees, and air as family members, respecting and taking care of them. This
attitude ensures they use natural resources wisely and sustainably.

Emotional Connection to the Land

Seattle contrasts this with the white settlers, who have no emotional connection to
the land. For Native Americans, the land is full of the spirits of their ancestors and
holds memories of their people. It's their home and the final resting place of their
dead. This deep connection leads them to treat the land with care. On the other hand,
white settlers see the land as something to own, use, and throw away, leading to its
exploitation and destruction.

Criticism of Exploitation

Seattle criticizes the white settlers for exploiting the land. They treat nature as
something to be used for immediate gain, without thinking about the long-term
effects. Seattle warns that this behaviour will destroy the environment and,
eventually, humanity. His speech highlights the damage caused by pollution and the
overuse of natural resources.

The Interconnectedness of All Life

One of the key points in Seattle's speech is that all life is interconnected. He explains
how rivers, air, animals, and humans are all part of a single web of life. If one part is
harmed, the whole web is affected. This idea is central to Native American beliefs
about nature. Seattle warns that the greed of the white settlers will deplete resources
and destroy the earth, ultimately harming humanity.

Dr. Annapoorna L.R. pg. 4

A Call for Respect

Despite his criticism, Chief Seattle offers hope and a way forward. He asks the white
settlers to learn from the Native American way of life and teach their children to
respect the land and its elements. This respect is not just for nature's sake but for the
well-being of future generations. By living in harmony with nature, we can avoid the
disastrous consequences of environmental destruction.

Conclusion

Chief Seattle's speech is a powerful reminder of the close relationship between humans
and nature. His words show a way of life where the natural world is respected and
protected as part of the human family. Seattle's message urges us to change how we
view and interact with the environment. By fostering respect and care for nature, we
can ensure the health and survival of both the earth and humanity. His message is as
important today as it was in 1854, reminding us to honour and preserve the delicate
balance of life that sustains us all.

Dr. Annapoorna L.R. pg. 5