Meaning: The quote "We were once friends with the whites but you nudged us out of the way by your intrigues, and now when we are in council you keep nudging each other" is a powerful statement attributed to Black Kettle, a prominent leader of the Southern Cheyenne tribe during the mid-19th century. This quote captures the complex and tumultuous relationship between Native American tribes and white settlers during a time of significant conflict and upheaval in the American West.

Black Kettle was a key figure in the history of the Cheyenne people, particularly during the turbulent period of westward expansion and the Indian Wars in the mid-1800s. The quote reflects the sense of betrayal and frustration felt by many Native American leaders as they navigated the changing dynamics of their relationship with white settlers and the United States government.

The phrase "we were once friends with the whites" alludes to a time when cooperation and mutual respect between Native American tribes and European settlers were more prevalent. In the early years of contact, there were instances of trade, diplomacy, and alliances between Indigenous peoples and the newcomers. However, as the tide of westward expansion gained momentum, these relationships became strained and often erupted into violent conflicts.

The phrase "you nudged us out of the way by your intrigues" speaks to the tactics and strategies employed by the U.S. government and white settlers to dispossess Native American tribes of their lands and resources. This could refer to broken treaties, deceptive negotiations, and the encroachment of settlers onto tribal territories, all of which contributed to the displacement and marginalization of Indigenous communities.

The quote's concluding phrase, "and now when we are in council you keep nudging each other," conveys the sense of disillusionment and frustration felt by Black Kettle and other Native American leaders during negotiations and treaty councils with the U.S. government. The reference to "nudging each other" suggests a lack of sincerity and genuine engagement in the diplomatic process, with the implication that the interests of Native American tribes were being disregarded or dismissed.

The historical context in which Black Kettle made this statement is crucial to understanding its significance. During the late 19th century, the U.S. government pursued a policy of westward expansion and the subjugation of Native American tribes, leading to armed conflicts such as the Sand Creek massacre in 1864, in which Black Kettle's peaceful Cheyenne band was brutally attacked by Colorado militia forces.

The quote encapsulates the broader themes of betrayal, broken promises, and the erosion of trust that characterized the experiences of many Indigenous peoples during this tumultuous period. Black Kettle's words reflect a deep sense of loss and disillusionment in the face of the relentless encroachment of white settlers and the U.S. government's policies of expansion and assimilation.

In conclusion, Black Kettle's quote serves as a poignant reminder of the injustices and hardships endured by Native American tribes during a dark chapter in American history. It highlights the complexities of Indigenous-settler relations, the impact of broken treaties and deceptive practices, and the enduring resilience of Native peoples in the face of adversity. This quote continues to resonate as a testament to the enduring struggle for justice and recognition faced by Indigenous communities in the United States.