relevances of the speech of chief Seattle to present day.
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Answer:
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
explanation:At the very beginning of the speech Chief Seattle expresses his concern over environmental degradation and its possible impact upon human civilization if we do not take immediate measures. According to him Nature has been a great sympathizer for his native people for a long time now. Nature has given them everything they need to live on this earth. He fears that though this condition seems to be eternal and changeless, it may ultimately change. Human civilization may face great trouble in future if we don’t respect environmental values.
Then the speaker ascertains his reliability by comparing his words to the stars that never change. So, he will not change his stance in response to the Government’s proposal of a land treaty with the natives.
The White Chief (the Governor) had arrived with the proposal and the message of friendship from the Big Chief (the President). Seattle says that it is kind of them to offer the natives their goodwill and friendship, because he knows that the government has no need of the natives’ friendship in return.
Seattle speaks of the deplorable condition of his people. He remembers that once they had filled the entire country, but now, there are only few people left in their tribes. They are on the verge of an extinction. So, actually they don’t need the vast land any more.
And for this doom of the Red Indians, Seattle mainly accuses the White people’s act of forcing their way into the native lands. The white people regard themselves as superior and supreme and do not respect the tribal people’s land rights and cultural values. Seattle also criticizes the reckless manners of the young men of his own tribe. According to him, the youths should be more sensible and responsible.
Seattle says, the President has offered to protect the native women, children and the old men from the attacks of their old outside enemies like the Haidas and Tsimshians if they agree to the land treaty. In that case, the President would really be their protector, their father. But he doubts if that will be ever possible.