Question

brief explanation of chief seatle speech.

Answer 1

Chief Seattle ( Si’ahl) (c. 1786 – June 7, 1866) was a public leader, the chief of the native American (Red Indian) Suquamish and Duwamish tribes. The American city Seattle is named after him. He is especially known for his ‘speech’, or sometimes referred to as ‘letter’, delivered in 1854. This speech was a response to the American Government’s land treaty to buy the native lands proposed by Issac Stevens, the Governor of Washington Territory.

Seattle’s speech is regarded as a powerful plea for respect of native American rights and environmental values. Seattle criticized the white people’s imperialistic attitude and their way of reckless developments affecting the natural environment. In fact, it was one of the earliest instances where someone expressed great concern over the degradation of nature and ecological balance. He warned us against the rapid progress of western civilization and pitched for the need to protect nature. And, this is why Chief Seattle’s speech is acclaimed with such high esteem.