Words Do Not Pay Anticipation Guide

In "Words Do Not Pay," what does Chief Joseph most clearly indicate that white Americans must do in order to live in peace with Native Americans?

• build Native American schools

• treat Native Americans as equals

• adopt Native American traditions

• return Native Americans to their homelands

According to "Words Do Not Pay," which of the following should a free person be able to enjoy? Choose three options.

• freedom to trade

• freedom of religion

• freedom of the press

• freedom from the law

• freedom of employment

What do the details in "Words Do Not Pay" suggest about the condition of Chief Joseph's people at the time he made this speech?

• They were healthy and happy.

• They were wealthy but unhappy.

• They were suffering and poorly treated.

• They were rapidly losing their traditions.

Which of these quotations from "Words Do Not Pay" best supports the answer to Part A?

• [Words] do not protect my father's grave. They do not pay for all my horses and cattle.

• Good words will not give my people good health and stop them from dying.

• If the white man wants to live in peace with the Indian he can live in peace.

• All men were made by the same Great Spirit Chief. They are all brothers.

What do the details in "Words Do Not Pay" suggest about American laws at the time Chief Joseph made the speech?

• They were not written down.

• They treated every adult American equally.

• They were made and enforced by members of the U.S. military.

• They were not the same for white Americans and Native Americans.

Which of these sentences from "Words Do Not Pay" best supports the answer to Part A?

• Good words will not get my people a home where they can live in peace and take care of themselves.

• There has been too much talking by men who had no right to talk.

• All men were made by the same Great Spirit Chief.

• You might as well expect the rivers to run backward as that any man who was born a free man should be contented when penned up and denied liberty to go where he pleases ….

In 'Words Do Not Pay,' what is Chief Joseph's main argument about promises made by white Americans?

• Promises are always kept.

• Promises are often broken.

• Promises are rarely made.

• Promises are never important.

What does Chief Joseph suggest is necessary for peace between white Americans and Native Americans in 'Words Do Not Pay'?

• Building more schools

• Sharing resources equally

• Understanding each other's languages

• Treating each other with respect

According to 'Words Do Not Pay,' what is the impact of 'good words' on Chief Joseph's people?

• They bring prosperity.

• They bring health.

• They bring no tangible benefits.

• They bring happiness.

What does Chief Joseph imply about the treatment of Native Americans in 'Words Do Not Pay'?

• They are treated as equals.

• They are treated with respect.

• They are treated unfairly.

• They are treated with kindness.