Comments and discussion

In your analysis of the speech “Selling Our Land”, attributed to Chief Seattle, you should also consider discussing statements that are particularly interesting or controversial.

For example, the speaker begins the speech by arguing that land cannot be sold because it does not belong to individual human beings. However, later in the speech, he points out that Native Americans might sell their land if white settlers pledge to respect the environment: “But if we sell you our land, you must remember that the air is precious to us, that the air shares its spirit with all the life it supports.” (ll. 18-20)

This statement seems to be in line with Chief Seattle’s view, which was in favor of accommodating white settlers rather than fighting them. It also suggests that Native Americans are able to understand white settlers’ culture and adapt to it. Although they did not believe in owning land, they accepted this idea because it was a way to negotiate with white settlers and make ...