Medium: Bronze

Size: 10 x 10 x 14

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Standing Bear Story

Standing Bear

If someone were to ask you to name a few champions of human rights, who would come to mind? No doubt some might quickly rattle off names such as, Martin Luther King Jr., Ghandi, or Eleanor Roosevelt. These are just a few of the many men and woman throughout history, who through thought and action, made a difference and changed our world. Among this list of fighters for human rights, is one native american man who is far less talked about, yet just as worthy of honor, Chief Standing Bear.

In the spring of 1877, Chief Standing Bear and 750 Ponca were forcibly removed from their beloved homeland in Northeast Nebraska to the sweltering plains of central Oklahoma. One year later, the Ponca people found themselves not only discouraged and homesick, but fighting for their lives. Since the tribe had left Nebraska, one-third had died and nearly all of the survivors were sick or disabled due to Malaria and starvation. It was in this first year in the new indian territory that Chief Standing Bear lost his only son in death. Wanting to honor his son’s last wish to be buried in the land of his birth, Standing Bear gathered a few members of his tribe headed home to bury his son. However, Indians were not allowed to leave their reservation without permission. General Crook, agent of Omaha, arrested Standing Bear and the Poncas that traveled with him. It was at this time that G.M. Lambert, attorney for U.S. government, said, “Standing Bear is not entitled to protection of the writ of Habeas Corpus, not being a person or citizen under the law.” Thankfully, two attorneys provided their services to Standing Bear for free. These men filed a lawsuit: Standing Bear vs. Crook. When given the opportunity to give a speech before the court in his behalf, Standing Bear raised one hand and said, “That hand is not the color of yours, but if I prick it, the blood will flow, and I shall feel pain. The blood is of the same color as yours. God made me, and I am a man.” On May 12, 1879 Judge Elmer S. Dundy ruled that “an Indian isa a person” within the meaning of habeas corpus. He stated that the federal government failed to show a basis under law for the Poncas’ arrest and captivity.

The “Standing Bear” sculpture was sculpted in honor of Standing Bear, the Ponca people, and the people that helped fight for the human rights of the Native American people.