Out of the Indian approach to life there came a great freedom-an intense and absorbing love for nature; a respect for life; enriching faith in a Supreme Power; and principles of truth, honesty, generosity, equity, and brotherhood as a guide to mundane relations.

Luther Standing Bear (1868 - 1939), Oglala Sioux chief

I have seen that in any great undertaking it is not enough for a man to depend simply upon himself.

Lone Man (late 19th century), Teton Sioux

Often in the stillness of the night, when all nature seems asleep about me, there comes a gentle rapping at the door of my heart. I open it; and a voice inquires, "Pokagon, what of your people? What will their future be?" My answer is: "Mortal man has not the power to draw aside the veil of unborn time to tell the future of his race. That gift belongs of the Divine alone. But it is given to him to closely judge the future by the present, and the past."

Simon Pokagon (1830 - 1899), Potawatomie