 A few years more and the white man will be all around you. They have their eyes in this land, my son. Never forget my dying words. This country holds your father's body. Never sell the bones of your father and mother." Chief Joseph kept his commitment to his father. He would not sign the treaties that other chiefs had signed, consigning their people to reservations. Finally, a commission of five men was sent to speak with Chief Joseph and to make a final settlement.