Standing Bear's quest for freedom : the first civil rights victory for Native Americans / Lawrence A. Dwyer ; foreword to the Bison Books edition by Judi M. gaiashkibos.
"Bison books" Includes bibliographical references and index.
Contents:
Foreword to the Bison Books edition / Judi M. giashkibos -- His name was Standing Bear -- Early history of the Poncas -- The Ponca system of law -- Precedents for the Ponca removal in the American system of law -- Treaties with the Poncas -- The Ponca displacement begins -- Journey of sorrows -- Standing Bear takes action -- Imprisoned at Fort Omaha -- Ponca prisoners interviewed -- Tibbles assembles legal team -- The great writ -- Witnesses testify -- The trial's closing arguments -- Standing Bear's historic speech -- A time for waiting -- The court's decision -- Standing Bear keeps his promise -- Standing Bear's gratitude and generosity -- A fire kindled -- Redress for wrongs -- Standing Bear decision sets precedent -- A nation aroused from the sin of indifference -- The Omaha connection -- Standing Bear at peace.
Summary:
"Chief Standing Bear of the Ponca Nation faced arrest for leaving the U.S. government's reservation, without its permission, for the love of his son and his people. Standing Bear fought for his freedom not through armed resistance but with bold action, strong testimony, and heartfelt eloquence. He knew he and his people had suffered a great injustice. Standing Bear wanted the right to live and die with his family on the beloved land of his Ponca ancestors, located within the Great Plains of Nebraska. In telling his story, Standing Bear's Quest for Freedom relates an unprecedented civil rights victory for Native Americans: for the first time, in 1879, a federal court declared a Native American to be a "person"-a human being with the right to file an action for a redress of grievances in a federal court, like every other person in the United States. Standing Bear's victory in Standing Bear v. Crook began a national movement of reforming Native American rights-albeit a slow one. Because of the courage and leadership of Chief Standing Bear, the pervasive spirit of indifference of most Americans toward Native Americans was disrupted by this historic decision. America would never be the same"-- Provided by publisher.
This resource is supported by the Institute of Museum and Library Services under the provisions of the Library Services and Technology Act as administered by State Library of Iowa.