A Letter from Seattle, Chief of the
Suquamish
I am Seattle, Chief of the Saquamish, And I say to you, every part of this land is sacred.
Every hillside, every valley, every plain and every grove has been hallowed by a sad or happy
even in days long past. Even the rocks which seem dull, dead, thrill with the memories of
stirring events.
Our bare feet are conscious of the sacred ground. The ancestors of my people never forget
the beautiful world that gave them being. They still love this green valley, its whispering
rivers, its mountains, lakes, and vales. They often return from the happy hunting ground to
visit. They still love this land. But the earth does not belong to man, man belongs to the
earth. Whatever happens to the earth happens to the sons of the earth.
The sky, the land, which appear changeless and eternal may change. Continue to foul the
earth and you will achieve an end to living and the beginning of mere survival. You must teach
children that the earth is rich. Teach your children that to harm the earth is to heap contempt
upon its creator. Teach your children what we have taught ours, that the earth is our mother.
Whatever happens to the earth, happens to the sons of the earth.
Love the land as we have loved it. Care for it as we have cared for it. Hold in your mind
the memory of the land as it was when you found it, and with all your strength, with all your
mind, and with all your heart, preserve it for your children and love it as God loves us all.
Whatever happens to the earth, happens to the sons of the earth. Go now, work to do what
must be done.
