Gov. Ricketts, State Leaders Honor Chief Standing Bear

LINCOLN- Governor Pete Ricketts joined State leaders and Ponca Tribe members to honor Chief Standing Bear through the dedication of the Chief Standing Bear Justice Administration Building Thursday.

Chief Standing Bear’s 1879 lawsuit against the federal government led to a landmark decision reaffirming the basic human dignity of Native Americans and entitling them to equal protection of the law. This year, State Senator Tom Brewer sponsored a legislative resolution at the request of Governor Ricketts to rename the State office building located at 521 South 14th Street in Lincoln as the Chief Standing Bear Justice Administration Building. At the dedication, State leaders also unveiled a Chief Standing Bear bust created by artist Benjamin Victor and a mural painted by artist Sarah Harris.

Multiple members of the Ponca Tribe, including Stacy Laravie, a descendant of Chief Standing Bear, attended the dedication ceremony.