Standing Bear's Footsteps

Air Date: 10/12/2012

Standing Bear's Footsteps is the story of an Indian chief who went to court to prove he was a person and in the process redefined what it means to be an American. The 60-minute high definition documentary weaves together interviews, recreations and present day scenes to tell a story about human rights, one that resonates powerfully in the present. "I am a man, Standing Bear said at his trial. The same God made us both."

Standing Bear's Footsteps Photo Gallery

Casey Camp-Horniek, Southern Ponca Tribe, at her home near Marland, Oklahoma.

Charles Robinson III visits the General George Crook Museum in Omaha, Nebraska.

Standing Bear, not long before his death in 1908, beside his home.

Damon Roughface, Southern Ponca Tribe, with his regalia.

Damon Roughface, Southern Ponca Tribe, portraying Standing Bear in the courtroom scene.

Harley Upton, Ponca & San Carlos Apache, demonstrates how to hold a bow and arrow to son Tristan Upton,

Judi gaiashkibos, Ponca, visits with her daughter Katie Morgan, Ponca attorney, in Washington, D.C.

Associate Producer Princella Parker, Omaha, and actress Renee Sans Souci, Omaha.

Ponca earth lodge.

Renee Sans Souci, Omaha Tribe, filming a scene for Standing Bear’s Footsteps.

Renee Sans Souci, Omaha Tribe, filming a scene for Standing Bear’s Footsteps.

The 22-foot bronze statue of Standing Bear in Ponca City, Oklahoma.

Tristan and Zonte Upton, Ponca, San Carlos Apache & White Mountain Apache.

NET’s Erin Thomas, audio engineer, and Ralph Hammack, Jr., videographer, film Tristan Zonte, Ponca.

Standing Bear's Footsteps Concept Art

A reporter comes to interview Chief Standing Bear at his home on the Niobrara.

As an old man, Standing Bear tells his story.

On the exile to Indian Territory, Indian agent E. A. Howard kept a daily journal.

Standing Bear and his small clan walked 600 miles back to Nebraska in January, 1879.

On his journey back to Nebraska, Standing Bear carried his son’s body in a wooden box.

Omaha Daily Herald reporter Thomas Tibbles arrives at Fort Omaha to interview the Ponca prisoners.

General George Crook stayed up late trying to find a way to free his Ponca prisoners.

Leading citizens of Omaha send a telegram to President Hayes asking him to let the Ponca go.

Standing Bear pleads his case before Judge Dundy at the District Courthouse in Omaha.

Susette LaFlesche accompanied Standing Bear on a crusade to the cities of the east.

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