Meaning: The quote is attributed to Sitting Bull, a Hunkpapa Lakota leader who is best known for his resistance to the encroachment of white settlers on Native American lands. The quote reflects the frustration and anger of many Native American leaders during the late 19th century as they witnessed the erosion of their traditional lands and way of life due to the expansion of the United States.

In order to understand the significance of this quote, it is important to provide some historical context. In the mid-19th century, the United States government pursued a policy of westward expansion, which often resulted in the displacement and marginalization of Native American tribes. The buffalo, or bison, was a vital resource for many Plains tribes, providing food, clothing, and other essential materials. However, as white settlers moved westward, the buffalo population was decimated, largely due to overhunting and the destruction of their natural habitat. This had devastating consequences for the Native American tribes that depended on the buffalo for their survival.

In response to the pressures of westward expansion and the decline of the buffalo population, many Native American leaders, including Sitting Bull, sought to negotiate treaties with the U.S. government in order to protect their lands and traditional way of life. The quote reflects the betrayal and broken promises that many Native Americans experienced as the U.S. government failed to honor these agreements.

One such treaty that is likely being referenced in the quote is the Fort Laramie Treaty of 1868. This treaty established the Great Sioux Reservation, which encompassed a vast territory in present-day South Dakota, Wyoming, and Nebraska. The treaty also guaranteed the Sioux exclusive possession of the Black Hills, a region considered sacred by the Sioux and rich in natural resources.

However, the discovery of gold in the Black Hills in the 1870s led to a flood of white prospectors and settlers into the region, in direct violation of the treaty. Despite the assurances of the treaty, the U.S. government failed to uphold its obligations and instead sought to open up the Black Hills for mining, leading to increased tensions and conflict between the Sioux and the U.S. Army.

Sitting Bull's quote captures the profound sense of injustice and betrayal felt by many Native Americans as they witnessed the steady encroachment of their lands and resources. The broken promises made by the U.S. government had dire consequences for the Native American tribes, leading to armed resistance and ultimately the displacement and confinement of many tribes onto reservations.

The quote also serves as a reminder of the ongoing struggle for Indigenous rights and sovereignty in the United States. The legacy of broken treaties and the loss of ancestral lands continues to impact Native American communities to this day, highlighting the enduring significance of Sitting Bull's words and the ongoing struggle for justice and recognition for Indigenous peoples.

In conclusion, Sitting Bull's quote reflects the deep sense of betrayal and loss experienced by many Native American tribes in the face of broken promises and the erosion of their traditional lands and resources. The quote serves as a powerful reminder of the ongoing struggle for Indigenous rights and sovereignty in the United States and the enduring legacy of broken treaties and historical injustices.