My friends, I have been asked to show you my heart. I am glad to have a chance to do so. I want the white people to understand my people. Some of you think an Indian is like a wild animal. This is a great mistake. I will tell you all about our people, and then you can judge whether an Indian is a man or not. I believe much trouble and blood would be saved if we opened our hearts more. I will tell you in my way how the Indian sees things. —“An Indian’s View of Indian Affairs,”
Chief Joseph

What is the central idea of Chief Joseph’s speech?

To reduce conflict, white Americans need to correct their misunderstandings of American Indians.

Conflict is inevitable between white Americans and American Indians.

To reduce conflict, white Americans need to be more like American Indians.

There has been unnecessary violence between white Americans and American Indians.