Chief Dan George Quotes: Wisdom and Inspiration from a First Nation Leader
The beauty of the trees, the softness of the air, the fragrance of the grass, speaks to me. – Chief Dan George
My people want to be sowed into the earth when they pass on so that they will forever be a part of their land. – Chief Dan George
We are as much alive as we keep the Earth alive. – Chief Dan George
The life of an Indian is like the wings of the air. That is why you notice the hawk knows how to get his prey. The Indian is like that. The hawk swoops down on its prey; so does the Indian. In his lament, he is like an animal. For instance, the coyote is sly; so is the Indian. The eagle is the same. That is why the Indian is always feathered up; he is a relative to the wings of the air. – Chief Dan George
May the stars carry your sadness away, may the flowers fill your heart with beauty, may hope forever wipe away your tears, and, above all, may silence make you strong. – Chief Dan George
We are the land. To the best of my understanding, that is the fundamental idea embedded in Native American life and culture in the Southwest. We are the land … That is the meaning of the word pueblo, the crucial meaning. Pueblos are the location of a human community where the human community acquires identity, and it is the place of that community’s intimate relationship with Creation. – Chief Dan George
Best Chief Dan George Quotes
The Indians were a people crying out in the wilderness for the truth but no one heard. – Chief Dan George
The heart never knows the color of the skin. – Chief Dan George
I’ve been an actor for most of my life, but it wasn’t until I started teaching acting that I began to understand the art. – Chief Dan George
A man who has faith in his dreams can succeed. – Chief Dan George.
My friends, how desperately do we need to be loved and to love.
When you know how much God is in love with you then you can only live your life radiating that love.
Love is something you and I must have. We must have it because our spirit feeds upon it.
We are as much alive as we keep the Earth alive.
Life is so strange when you don’t know. How can you tell where you’re going to?
Quotes of the Day
The beauty of the trees, the softness of the air, the fragrance of the grass, speaks to me.
You have to look deeper, way below the anger, the hurt, the hate, the jealousy, the self-pity, way down deeper where the dreams lie, son. Find your dream. It’s the pursuit of the dream that heals you.
If you talk to the animals they will talk with you and you will know each other.
The elders say we must let go of the shore, push off into the middle of the river, keep our eyes open, and our heads above the water.
May the stars carry your sadness away. May the flowers fill your heart with beauty. May hope forever wipe away your tears and above all, may silence make you strong.
There is a longing among all people and creatures to have a sense of purpose and worth. To satisfy that common longing in all of us we must respect each other.
The time will soon be here when my grandchild will long for the cry of a loon, the flash of a salmon, the whisper of spruce needles, or the screech of an eagle. But he will not make friends with any of these creatures and when his heart aches with longing, he will curse me.
Have patience with everything that remains unsolved in your heart.
Quotes for Native American
The beauty of the trees, the softness of the air, the fragrance of the grass, speaks to me. The summit of the mountain, the thunder of the sky, the rhythm of the sea, speaks to me.
There is a longing among all people and creatures to have a sense of purpose and worth. To satisfy that common longing in all of us we must respect each other.
My heart soars like a hawk.
I have seen that in any great undertaking it is not enough for a man to depend simply upon himself.
Man has responsibility, not power.
To touch the earth is to have harmony with nature.
You must speak straight so that your words may go as sunlight straight into our hearts.
I am a part of all that I have met.
In my culture, death is not the end. It’s more of an opening to a place where we continue the growth of our spirits.
Famous Quotes
Can we talk of integration until there is integration of hearts and minds? Unless you have this, you only have a physical presence, and the walls between us are as high as the mountain range.
While living I want to live well.
Silence is the cornerstone of character.
Reading was my escape and my comfort, my consolation, my stimulant of choice: reading for the pure pleasure of it, for the beautiful stillness that surrounds you when you hear an author’s words reverberating in your head.
In the silence of a misty morning we notice things not seen or heard before.
We are as much alive as we keep the earth alive.
True teaching is not an accumulation of knowledge; it is an awakening of consciousness.
May the stars carry your sadness away.
The failure of the mind in old age is often less the results of natural decay, than of disuse.
I am tired of talk that comes to nothing.
In the posture of an animal in flight, man finds his deepest self.
FAQ Chief Dan George Quotes
Chief Dan George, a poet, author, and actor, shared these profound words.
What notable roles did Chief Dan George portray that reflect the struggles between Native Americans and white men in the 19th century?
Chief Dan George is known for his roles in “Little Big Man” as Old Lodge Skins and in “The Outlaw Josey Wales” as a character that navigates the turbulent times when the white man came to the American West.
How does the concept of fear relate to the destruction of what one holds dear, as discussed in Chief Dan George’s philosophy?
Chief Dan George expressed that when one fears, one destroys, highlighting a deep understanding of how fear can lead to the erosion of what is valued, unless one is able to sacrifice for it.
In 1981, Chief Dan George shared his insights, emphasizing that love is a fundamental source of strength and an essential part of life’s journey.
Where was Chief Dan George a chief, and how does this location relate to his cultural and leadership roles?
Chief Dan George was the chief of the Tsleil-Waututh Nation, located on the Burrard Inlet in North Vancouver, British Columbia, which positioned him as a pivotal figure in both his community and the broader cultural landscape.
Can you describe Chief Dan George’s multifaceted career and how he merged his creative talents with his cultural heritage?
Chief Dan George was also an actor, musician, and author, uniquely blending his artistic pursuits with his deep connection to his Tsleil-Waututh heritage, making significant contributions to both fields.
His best-known written work reflects his profound connection to his identity and his keen observations of the world around him, though the exact title might vary based on individual interpretations.
How does the phrase “little by little, we discover” encapsulate Chief Dan George’s approach to learning and understanding the world?
This phrase exemplifies his belief in gradual growth and the importance of patience in the journey of knowledge and self-discovery.
Why is the Tsleil-Waututh Nation’s reserve’s location on Burrard Inlet significant for understanding Chief Dan George’s background and cultural context?
The reserve’s location on Burrard Inlet in North Vancouver, British Columbia, is crucial for understanding Chief Dan George’s deep connection to his land and people, influencing his work and philosophy.
What legacy did Chief Dan George leave regarding the intersection of Native American history and modern societal challenges?
Chief Dan George left a legacy that includes a nuanced understanding of Native American history and its complexities, using his platform to highlight issues of justice, cultural preservation, and the enduring strength of his people.