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American Indians Quotes

Voices on heritage, identity, and history.

These quotes speak to the values and history tied to American Indians, from giving away wealth as a spiritual act to theories about shared ancestry across the continent. Each line reflects a different angle on identity.

Being is a spiritual proposition. Gaining is a material act. Traditionally, American Indians have always attempted to be the best people they could. Part of that spiritual process was and is to give away wealth, to discard wealth in order...

Quotes by Russell Means

A few scattered accounts, collected and combined together, may lead us to two certain conclusions: 1. That all the American Indians are one kind of people; 2. That they are the same as the people in the northeast of Asia.

Quotes by Ezra Stiles

Yes, as an oppressed people, American Indians have this epic burden, but first and foremost, they're human: sometimes a mess, sometimes funny or sad, at times very wise, and other times not wise at all - a lot like me.

Quotes by Alexandra Fuller

Frequently Asked Questions

What values come up most often in these quotes?
Generosity and a spiritual approach to wealth appear repeatedly, with giving things away treated as more meaningful than accumulating them.
Do the quotes touch on where American Indians came from?
One quote references an old theory linking American Indian ancestry to peoples from northeast Asia, based on early comparative accounts.
Is the history discussed here only about hardship?
No, the quotes acknowledge real oppression but also insist on ordinary humanity, including humor, sadness, and everyday wisdom.
Are these quotes from a single time period?
No, they span different eras and perspectives, from historical speculation about origins to more contemporary personal reflection.
What's a good related topic to explore next?
The Great Advantage quotes page offers a different but related perspective on opportunity and circumstance.

Underneath the history is a plainer point: people are people first, capable of humor, grief, and wisdom in equal measure. Related reading includes Great Advantage quotes and the Luminous collection.