Jr. Patriot Report

by John Stumpner

Standing Bear of the Ponca Tribe

 The Poncas were a Native American tribe that lived in northeast Nebraska. They were successful farmers and had never fought against the white people. Even though they never fought the white people, after Custer’s Last Stand, they were forced off their farms and had to move to the Indian Territory in Oklahoma. While the Poncas tried to make a living in Oklahoma, the land they were given wasn’t very good for farming and they wanted to return to their farms in Nebraska.

 One of the members of the Ponca tribe wanted to be buried on his old farm in Nebraska. When he died one of the principal chiefs of the Poncas, a man named Standing Bear, decided to honor the man’s last wishes. Standing Bear and some of his followers loaded the coffin in a wagon and set out for their old homes. After the funeral, the Indian Agent in Nebraska found out the Poncas were back and became very angry. The Indian Agent ordered the Army to arrest the Poncas and take them back to Oklahoma right away. The commanding general in Nebraska was a famous Indian fighter named George Crook. When General Crook heard how the Poncas had been treated, he wanted to help them. First, General Crook told the newspapers about the Poncas’ situation. Then he helped Standing Bear find lawyers and get a day in court. General Crook had to do all this before his superiors in Washington could order him to immediately follow the Indian agent’s orders. Standing Bear won his court case and was allowed to return to his old farm in Nebraska. Later, Standing Bear toured the United States and Europe to speak out for the rights of his and other Native American tribes.

 Just like Standing Bear worked for the rights of Native Americans, ABATE of Wisconsin works for the rights of motorcyclists. ABATE uses peaceful means to raise awareness of motorcycles and works with our elected representatives to preserve motorcycle rights and promote motorcycle safety and training.