Luther Standing Bear
Luther Standing Bear: A Life of Leadership and Wisdom
Full Name and Common Aliases
Luther Standing Bear was a renowned Oglala Lakota chief, historian, and advocate for Native American rights. He is often referred to as Luther Gerlach Standing Bear or simply Chief Standing Bear.
Birth and Death Dates
Born on February 4, 1862, in present-day South Dakota, Luther Standing Bear passed away on February 20, 1939.
Nationality and Profession(s)
Standing Bear was a member of the Oglala Lakota tribe and held various roles throughout his life, including chief, historian, writer, and advocate for Native American rights. He is best known for his efforts to preserve and promote the culture and traditions of his people.
Early Life and Background
Standing Bear was born on the Pine Ridge Reservation in South Dakota, which was then a vast open range where the Lakota people roamed freely. His father, a chief's son, was killed in battle when Luther was just eight years old. This event had a profound impact on Standing Bear, shaping his views on war and leadership.
Growing up, Standing Bear received a traditional education from his family and tribal elders, learning the language, customs, and spiritual practices of the Oglala Lakota. He was also exposed to European-American culture through interactions with settlers and traders. This bicultural upbringing would later influence his writing and advocacy work.
Major Accomplishments
Standing Bear's life was marked by significant accomplishments, both as a leader and as an advocate for Native American rights. Some of his notable achievements include:
The Ponca Decision: Standing Bear played a key role in the landmark 1879 court case, where he testified that the Lakota people were not "wards" of the government but rather free men who had been forcibly removed from their lands.
Establishment of Pine Ridge Reservation: Standing Bear worked tirelessly to secure federal recognition and protection for his tribe's ancestral lands, ultimately leading to the establishment of the Pine Ridge Reservation in 1878.
Notable Works or Actions
In addition to his leadership roles, Standing Bear was a prolific writer and historian. Some of his notable works include:
My People the Sioux: A memoir that chronicles the history and culture of the Oglala Lakota people.
Land of the Spotted Eagle: A collection of essays that explores the experiences of Native Americans in the late 19th century.
Impact and Legacy
Luther Standing Bear's impact on Native American rights and representation cannot be overstated. His work as an advocate, writer, and leader helped to raise awareness about the struggles and triumphs of indigenous communities. Today, he is remembered as a champion of cultural preservation, self-determination, and social justice.
Why They Are Widely Quoted or Remembered
Standing Bear's quotes and writings continue to inspire and educate people around the world. His words offer a unique perspective on leadership, identity, and community, making him a beloved and respected figure in American history.
Quotes by Luther Standing Bear
Today the children of our public schools are taught more of the history, heroes, legends, and sagas of the old world than of the land of their birth, while they are furnished with little material on the people and institutions that are truly American.
As a child I understood how to give, I have forgotten this grace since I have become civilized. -.
White men seem to have difficulty in realizing that people who live differently from themselves still might be traveling the upward and progressive road of life.
Certain small ways and observances sometimes have connection with large and more profound ideas.
Silence is the Mother of Truth, for the silent man was ever to be trusted, while the man ever ready with speech was never taken seriously.
The old people came literally to love the soil and they sat or reclined on the ground with a feeling of being close to a mothering power. The soil was soothing, strengthening, cleansing and healing.
We did not think of the great open plains, the beautiful rolling hills, and winding streams with tangled growth as wild. Earth was beautiful and we were surrounded with the blessings of the Great Mystery.
Training began with children who were taught to sit still and enjoy it. They were taught to use their organs of smell, to look where there was apparently nothing to see, and to listen intently when all seemingly was quiet. A child who cannot sit still is a half-developed child.
For the Lakota there was no wilderness. Nature was not dangerous but hospitable, not forbidding but friendly.