[Congressional Record Volume 154, Number 71 (Thursday, May 1, 2008)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page E805]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




                          CHIEF STANDING BEAR

                                 ______
                                 

                               speech of

                           HON. ADRIAN SMITH

                              of nebraska

                    in the house of representatives

                        Tuesday, April 29, 2008

  Mr. SMITH of Nebraska. Madam Speaker, I rise today in honor of one of 
our nation's greatest advocates for Native Americans, Chief Standing 
Bear.
  I have long said a leader does not make people do the right thing--a 
leader inspires them to do the right thing.
  Chief Standing Bear was such a leader.
  Born in Nebraska, the Ponca Chief and his tribe were forcibly moved 
to Oklahoma. In 1879, Chief Standing Bear was arrested and put on trial 
for leaving Indian Territory to bury his son in their ancestral home.
  After a two-day trial, a federal judge recognized Standing Bear as 
human under the law and freed him, a landmark decision securing 
constitutional rights for all Native Americans.
  I am proud to cosponsor H. Res. 1043, honoring Chief Standing Bear's 
life, legacy, and contributions to civil rights.

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