The True Story of a Native American’s Quest for Justice
In 1877, Standing Bear and his Indian people, the Ponca, were forcibly removed from their land in northern Nebraska. In defiance, Standing Bear sued in U.S. District Court for the right to return home. In a landmark case, the judge, for the first time in U.S. history, recognized Native American rights-acknowledging that “Standing Bear is a person”-and ruled in favor of Standing Bear. Standing Bear Is a Person is the fascinating behind-the-scenes story of that landmark 1879 court case. It also details the subsequent reverberations of the judge’s ruling across nineteenth-century America. It is also a story filled with memorable characters typical of the Old West. The story includes the crusty and wise Indian chief, Standing Bear. It also features the Army Indian-fighting general who became a strong Indian supporter. Additionally, it highlights the crusading newspaper editor who championed Standing Bear’s cause. Finally, it presents the “most beautiful Indian maiden of her time,” Bright Eyes, who became Standing Bear’s national spokesperson. This story takes place when America was obsessed with winning the West at any cost. It portrays an intensely human story. It represents a small victory for compassion. It also recounts an American tragedy. Standing Bear won his case. However, the court’s decision that should have changed everything, in the end, changed very little for America’s Indians.
Editorial Reviews
From Booklist
The Bureau of Indian Affairs forcibly and illegally removed the Ponca Indians from their fertile croplands in Nebraska in 1877. They were taken to barren land in Oklahoma. Standing Bear, a clan leader, told the BIA that the land was unsuitable for farming. He also said that the Ponca wished to return home. Their request was denied, and by the end of the year, 158 Ponca had died. Desperate, Standing Bear and 27 others decided to escape to the reservation of the Omaha, their cousins. Once there, Omaha chief Iron Eye met with Brigadier General George Crook. Susette, his daughter who was a school principal, joined them. George Crook was one of two white initiates to the Omaha Soldier Lodge brotherhood. These three then told their story to T. H. Tibbles, deputy editor of the Omaha Daily Herald, whose coverage inspired attorney John Lee Webster to represent Standing Bear. In re-creating this significant chapter in Native American history, Dando-Collins captures the full drama of Standing Bear’s struggle. The story culminates in a riveting courtroom scene. In this scene, the judge rules in his favor. Rebecca Maksel
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Review
“Compelling and historically important…a fascinating read.” — Flaunt
“An inspiring and informative book [that] brings to light a heretofore unknown nugget of our heritage.” — Curled Up With a Good Book 12/6/04
“[A] remarkable history.” — Washington Times 2/20/05
“A taut tale…A great story.” — Roanoke Times 2/6/05
“Brisk but evocative…an eloquent reminder of a fight well fought.” — Kirkus Reviews 10/1/04
“A fascinating behind-the-scenes story.” — Arizona Daily Star 11/21/04
Book Reviews by the Reluctant Retiree 