"For a short time we lived quietly. But this could not last. White men had found gold in the mountains around the land of winding water"

This quote is credited to Chief Joseph, a leader of the Nez Perce people, and succinctly captures the interruption experienced by Native individuals when their lands were preferred by outsiders, particularly European inhabitants and prospectors. The quote reflects a moment of temporary peace and stability ("For a brief time we lived quietly") which was shattered by external forces driven by economic interests ("White men had discovered gold in the mountains around the land of winding water").

The "land of winding water" most likely refers to the Nez Perce's ancestral territory, that included parts of contemporary Oregon, Washington, and Idaho, passed through by numerous rivers and streams, thus characterized by winding waters. The discovery of gold in these areas, as highlighted in the quote, symbolizes the incursion of settlers and prospectors who were inspired by economic gain and often approved by federal government policies. This event belonged to a broader pattern during the westward growth of the United States in the 19th century, where Indigenous lands were increasingly encroached upon due to the guarantee of valuable resources.

Chief Joseph's lament highlights the fragile nature of peace and autonomy experienced by his individuals in the face of colonial pressures. The expression "this could not last" underscores the inevitability of dispute and displacement when Indigenous values and lifestyle were overshadowed by the settlers' ruthless pursuit of wealth through resource extraction.

Moreover, this quote reflects an extensive sense of loss and a foreshadowing of the struggles that would ensue. For the Nez Perce, like many other people, the advancement on their land led to a series of conflicts with federal forces, culminating in the terrible and difficult Nez Perce War of 1877. This war eventually led to substantial suffering, death, and forced relocation for the people.

Overall, Chief Joseph's words poignantly express the durability yet vulnerability of his people in the face of unrelenting expansionist pressures, and function as a classic reminder of the long-lasting impact of colonization on Indigenous neighborhoods.