Standing Bear

Standing Bear was chief of the Ponca people in Nebraska.

When his son died far from home, he set out to bury him in their homeland.

Soldiers arrested him, saying he had no rights because he was Native.

In court, Standing Bear held up his hand and said, 'This hand is not the color of yours, but if I pierce it I shall feel pain.'

The judge agreed — and America finally said Native people are people under the law.