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8-1-1979 Honga : the leader, v. 02, no. 08 American Indian Center of Omaha, Inc.

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n~l.D PREMIERE" "FOOTPRINTS IN BLOOD" "NJG 31 - SEP 3, 1979n "~ CIVIC AUDIT0Rllt1" ' The Leader' ~ * * * * * VOL II - NO, ~ N-EP.ICAN INDIAN CENTER OF C1-WiA, INC. -- AUGUST 1979 * *;. • • * * *

FOOTPRltITS IN BLOOD

·"My hand is not the color of yours, but if I pierce it, I shall feel pain. ~ If you pierce your hand, you also feel ~ , pain. The blood that will flow from mine will be the same color as yours • • I am a man. The same God made us both." -- One of the most important court decisions in American history was made in Om~ha 100 years ago. The trial of Standing Bear and the Ponca people is a powerful episode in the ~truggle for human rights.

The American Indian Center of Omaha, Inc., will sponsor and present the penniere produ~­ tion of FOOTPRINTS IN BLOOD, the new play based on the life of Standing Bear, at the Omaha Civic Auditorium August 31 - September 3, 1979, as a highlight of "Septemberfest." (This edition of the HONGA is dedicated in· memory of Chief Standing Bear of the Poncas.) Written and dramatizE!d 'by Christopher Sergel 1 playwright for "Black E~k ';Speaks'I snd ''.To Kil 1. · Jear Readers, a Mockingbird," FOOTPRINTS IN BLOOD was award­ ed grant funding of $19,500 by the ~ebra&ka •tis with great pride that we at the Alllerican Committee on the Humanities and from individual "ndian Center cordially invite you to the World sources. The title' represents an actual in­ 'remiere of "FOOTPRINTS IN BLOOD," Standing cident during bitter winter Journey by Stand­ :ear's struggle for freedom and equality. It is ing Bear whose moccasins had been torn to ,ith honor to Standing Bear and the Po~ca Nation shreds. Footprints in blood weie noticed as hat we have taken on such a tremendous project he walked across the floor of a house where .o celebrate the legal victory which a very he had sought shelter. - ;mall but determined American Indian tribe ·ought to secure their rights as persons under Brigadier General , commn.nder of he u.s. Constitution. This federal court de­ the Department of the Platte headquartered at :ision has affected all American Indians in , received orders in March 1879 to ;ome shape or .form. arrest Standing Bear and his people on the nearby Omaha reservation and return them to ' t shows that. Indians and non-Indians working Indian Territory in Oklahoma. Crook llhared :ogether for a common cause can make life better his unpleasant task with his friend, Thomas ·or the whole of mankind. It should certainly H. Tibbles, assistant editor of the Onaha Je a lesson for us today to work together when Daily Herald. In addition to informing his ,roblems arise which seem unfair and unjust and readers, Tibbles contacted two prominent Omaha :hereby resolve them under the proper concept. attorneys, John L. Webster and A. J. Poppleton of the Union Pacific Railroad, to solicit their legal aid. A decision was reached to seek the ::-he American Indian Center and its many friends Poncas' release through a writ of habeas corpus 1ave worked hard to bring this play to you and in the Federal Circuit court, District- of :he tickets to attend the performance are made Nebraska. ~ree to all native Americans. These free 'tick­ In his landmark decision, Judge Elmer S. Dundy ' ts may be picked up at the American Indian stated that "Indians (specifically Standing :enter. Bear and his followers) are persons within the meaning of the law" and "1ere, tht>refore, entit­ WP- wil 1 look forward to seeing all of yon at led to the protection . of the U.S. Constitution. tit'? pe rfn"tinance !)f. ''Footprints it;,1lood."

- > .. . ~f ~_p~*~ ( Ccm t' d <'11 page 7) .7,(: ,..- .. \ ' I • I ~ I 1 ' ... • t ( (" 2 HOOGA (THE LEADER) at th~. El Paso Theatre, Walker Art Theatre, HONGA (THE LEADER) is published monthly Alley Theatre, and St. Mark's Theatre in pro­ by the American Indian Center of Omaha, ductions such as CAMINO REAL, 'nlE ROSE TA­ Inc., with grant funds appropriated by TOO, BODY INDIAN and others. /\r\ministration for native Americans (ANA) and approved by the AIC Board of Directors. FOOTPRINTS IN BLOOD director, Michele Phillips HONGA (The Leader) is mailed free to native of Omaha said, "We are extremely fortunate Americans and other interested persons/or­ to have such a wonderful actress for Suzette g~nizations upon receiving a written re­ in the premiere production." Marie wiJ.l quest and has a circulation of 1,500 copies. share ~everal scenes with her acting husband, All correspondence should be addressed to: Mel Cobb, as they portray the Standing Bear ThP. Editor, HONGA (The Leader), American family. crisis for survival during the forced Indian Center· of Omaha, Inc., 613 South 16th march to Indian Territory and return to bury Street, Omaha, NE 68102. * * * * * * * * their son on the Niobrara.

HONGA (THE LEADER) IS A PUBLICATJGJ. OF JANE LIND TO PLAY BRIGHT EYES IN FOOTPRINTS THE AMERICAN INDIAN CENTER OF O'WiA, INC, IN BLOOD SPONSORS (BOARD OF DIRECTORS): "Her name in the Omaha language was lshta Theamba, BRIGHT EYES• but she was also Mario Peniska, President , daughter of. a French­ Joe Hallowell, Vice-President Indian who in the mid-1800's became the last Diana Walker, Secr~tary head chief of the Omahas. This conflict of Norma Levering, Treasurer identities shaped her life as profoundly as Doris Rodgers, Co-treasurer the clash between her people's age-old cul­ Louie Crispin, Member ture and the white man's· world." -- Dorothy Eugene Crawford, Member Rich Sayer, Member Clarke Wilson; authoress of BRIGHT .EYES. Jane Lind, an ,Aleut actress from Alaska' and Nex Mexico, will play the role of BRIGHT EYES ED !TORI AL STAFF: in the world premiere pf FOOTPRINTS IN BLOOD Timothy F. Woodhull, Editor-in-Chief during· Septemberfest, August 31 - September 3 at the Omaha qivic Audi_todum ~~usi~ Hall). Wayne Tyndall, Associate Editor . . . .· ·. '. .. . /? ·. ·. Carolyn Williams, Typist/Copy/Advertising BRIGHT EYES will narrate the reinactment of Standing Bear's~~truggle "for freedOffl and human : REPORTERS: dignity 100 years ago in Omaha in federal f Eddie Wolfe, Alcoholism Program court. ~ Diane Webb, Legal Services r Lind recently returned from a six-week acting Filmore Walker, Youth Recreation I' engagement at the inviation of Israel. She Linda Azuguo. Health Nutrition & began dramatic training at the Institute of Karen Biscone. Health Nutrition & American Indian Arts in Santa Fe ·New Mexico, Mary Thomas Health & Nutrition 1 1 and continued at the New York University Sch­ Evelyn DuMarce, Social Services ool of the Arts and La Mar.ta 'nleatre. Lind John Pappan Standing Bear Project 1 toured with The American Indian in Fred LeRoy Employment Company 1 the and Europe where she worked with Anne MacKennon VISTA u.s. 1 noted English director Peter Brook. She be­ came a member of Andre Serban's Creek Trilogy company·, and played in The Good Woman of Sez­ Ml'\RIE ANTOIN~ ROGERS TO PORTRAY chuan. STANDING BEARS WIFE~ SUZEIIE The reknowned native American actress returns Movie goers will remember Marie Antoinette to Omaha for the role of BRIGHT EYES where Rogers in MIDNIGHT COWBOY, LITTLE MURDERS, she appeared as Yellow Woman in BLACK ELK POPI and the French film, LE VOLEUR, as well as Television's KOJAC. SPEAKS. A student of Stella Adler, Peter Brook, and STANDING BEAR'S DEFENSE ATIORNEY TO BE in France with Marcel Marceau, this highly MIKE uV1M' acclaimed native American actress will per­ form the role of Suzette, Standing Bear's Michael Lamont was last seen in the premiere wife in FOOTPRINTS IN BLOOD at the Civic tour of BLACK ELK SPEAKS as Sibley, Jackson, Auditorium Music Hall, August 31 - September Wynkoop and Carleton. The dynamic young 3. Broadway actor retunls to Omaha in one of the leading roles as A. J. Poppleton, defense A native of Texas and New Mexico, Rogers\is an attorney for Standing Bear. in FOOTPRINTS IN t\pache who toured with Black Elk Speaks. Off­ BLOOD. J;r,Jadway she h::1s portrayed Queen Sabina in ('011J')lJEST OF THE UNIVERSE and Terra Rubia in Cristopher Sergel's new drama will be premiered ·r:;,'.~: 1 R1\ \ Tr; :N AMBER 0IHHT at La Mama Theatre. as a high light of ~eptemberfest at the 0malw ·, · ··~: :: i <'11"1 t h 2:itr£· w0;..-k in-:1 udes productior.s Civic Auditori11m (Music Hall) i\1.•;:.u~t "1 - ( ,· • l . HONGA (n1r: LEADER) 3

11 KE l..JVIOlT (CONT' o) Red Clay, a Mescalero Apache, performs Stand­ ing Bear's brother, Big Snake, in Sergei's September 3. Lamont.is anxious and happy to play August 31 - September 3 at the Music Hall, ' represent Standing Bear in the Ponca chief's Omaha Civic Auditorium. struggle for fr~edom and human dignity. It was 100 years ago that Poppleton, counsel for The muscular 200-pound actor is an expert the Union Pacific Raliroad, defended Standing horseman, archer, rifleman and pistol. He Bear's right to be a "person" under the true can drive "anything on wheels" and does. protection of the Constitution.

Lamont's Broadway credits include THE tEAF The actor spends much of his time Cn!ating PEOPLE, JESUS CHRIST, SUPERSTAR, THE ROYAL prize winning paintings including the album HUNT OF THE SUN, WEST SIDE STORY• BYE BYE cover "Hidden Vision" for Electra Assylum. BIRDIE and the Crown Prince in THE KING AND I. Several of his major works will be on dis­ play in the lobby of the Music Hall during Some off-broadway achievements include Juan 1n the five performances of FOOTPRINTS IN BLOOD. DON JUAN IN HELL, Rakitin in A MONTH IN THE Red Clay teaches art at Indian Centers, Inc., COUNTRY, and Butchy in THE BUTCHY TERRANOVA in Los Angeles. STORY. He was guest artist en THE ALFRED HITCHCOCK HOUR, ARMSTRONG CIRCLE THEATRE and He possesses a BFA Degree from Chouinard THE POWER AND THE GLORY. Institute and Cal Arts in Valencia. He serve s the Los Angeles Actors l~eatrc and Lamont studied acting with Sanford Meisner Lone Eagle Acting Workshop. and William Esper, and is very proud to be in­ cluded in the world premiere production of One of the major scenes in the dramatic pro­ FOOTPRINTS IN BLOOD sponsored by the American duction to be premiered in Omaha is the tragic Indian Center of Omaha, Inc. death of Big Snake. TI1e producers believe Ben Red Clay is perfect for the part.

r-EL COBB TO BE STA IDING BEAR IN FOOTPRINTS IN BLOOD PLAYWRIGHT SERGEL RETELLING "rEEPLY DRN-'ATIC" STANDING BEAR STORY Shakespearan actor, Mel Cobb, will be Stand­ ing Bear in the world premiere of FOOTPRINTS a-\A.HA WORLD HERALD - Pla)"«right Christopher IN BLOOD to be presented August 31 - September Sergel has been known to write comedies. He 3 at the Omaha Civic Auditorium (Music Hall). has written a lot of comedies, in fact, but he doesn't want to talk about them -- not now, Cobb is currently a member of the American at leasto Shakespeare Theatre in Stratford~ Connecticut. He is noted for leading roles in several native For five' weeks he has been imeraed in ·what he · American plays including TECUMSEH at the Sugar­ says is one of the most profoundiy m.pving loaf Mountain Amphitheatre in Ohio. writing experiences of his life: the dramati­ zation of the ordeal of Standing Bear, the Television audiences have seen Cobb in the Ponca Indian chief who 100 years ago established productions of HAWAII-FIVE-0 and EDGE OF NIGHT. in federal court in Omaha that he and other He has studied acting with Samuel Weiss and Indians were "persons'' and thus entitled to Howard Zackor. the same constitutional rights enjoyed by other citizens. Cobb graduated from the University of Hawaii with a Masters degree in Drama where he starred Called "FOOTPRINTS IN BLOOD," Sergel 's play , in many plays. will be presented at the Omaha City Auditorium Aug. 31 - Sept. 3. Standing Bear was tall, physically strong and striking in appearance. Mel Cobb has many of Speaking by telephone from his home in Westport, the same feat:ures in addition to his commanding Conn., the pla)"«right said, "Todayt it seems voice and acting ability. almost insane that am an should have to go to court to prove he is a person." Mel Cobb will co-star with Jane Lind in FOOT­ PRINTS IN BLOOD being presented by the American SYMPATHETIC Indian Center of Omaha as a highlight of Sept­ emberfest. Tickets for all five performances "I have a lot of wonderful material to ·· work ~re available at the Civic Auditorium Box Office with," Sergel said. "It's powerfully dramatic. and Brandies Ticket Centers. I find it very emotional. After I've ~Aen sitting at the desk, weeping, talk of comedy sounds pretty frivolous." MESCAL.ERO APACHE ATHLETE/ARTIST TO ACT The background of the case: Chief St:rnd:i.ng I:·I FOOTPRINTS IN BLOOD Bear and 29 of his followe~s h3d been living '3 ·: •t Red Clay played football for the Universi­ in NPbraska and wanted to stay lwrc. '7\ :(~ • , ,,{: Tr·-:.21s Longhorns against Nebraska. He government wanted them in Oklah,~1~. h~ig. GeP • George Crook w.;.s ordered t0 arrc st ( ' ,,~ Pr,~1c -~· .,· • ~ :ir:, s '; t 1 t ',e Cornhusker state as a prof es- . .1 ; ::· ·1 i,! ~he world ?I""'ll.;ere of FOOT- He did • ,· ::n ~. '1 ~- I 4 HOOG.~ (il£ LF.ADER)

CONT'D FRCt-1 PAGE 3, Indian. S .. !. played '{ellow Woman in 'Black Elk Speaks.'" Crook was an Indian fighter of long standing. HowPver, he had learned to respect Indians Sergel ~ ,i . he d::.d n<1t "'ant the play to be "a and was quoted as saying, "I never have known . flat-out documentary." Thus there will be an Indian to break a treaty or a white man to many scenes outside the ~ourtraom. The open­ keep one." Crook was sympathetic with Standing ing sc< r'", '.n fact, "ilJ. see the stage filled Bear and his people, and he resolved to help with lnc. laris in a joyful dance of celebration them if he could. and thanks for a good harvest, Sergel noted that the Poncas "were. very much oriented to In Omaha, the general enlisted the support of agricult1r.;:. They were good farmers." Thomas Tibbles, associate editor of the Omaha Daily Herald. · Tibbles, who later married an The Omaha Daily Herald "hlJS been a great re­ Indian, Bright Eyes, wrote stories on the search scur:e for me," Sergel said. "It plight of the Poncas. Two local lawyers, carried a wonderful account of the trial. It Andrew Poppleton and John Webster, volunteered gives you a lovely, nice, contemporary feeling to file a petition with Federal District Judge to read it. Elmer Dundy in behalf of the Indians. Claiming they were being held illegally, the petition "I have a photo copy of a page of The Herald called for their release on a writ of habeas in front of me now. The editor is indignant corpus: at 'how the power of 40 million people (the country's population at the time) is used to However, only "persons" were entitled to writs crush a few helpless lnd5ans. 111 of habeas corpus, accouding to language of the constitution, and the government contended He said the Indian C~nter also was "very help­ Indians were not persons. ful in making the research job easier. Tim Woodhull, the executive director, drove me In another comment on comedies, Sergel said he all over the Omaha reservation so 1 could talk wants least of all to remember his first play, to people who had known Standing Bear." "Who Gets the Car Tonight?" which he wrote in his sophomore year in high school. Sergel said he was much impressed impressed by Standing Bear's eloquent conwnand of English "It was a piece of junk," he said. But it Waif as reflected by the Herald's report• on his a commerical success. Some 400,000 copies of trial testimony~ One story attributed these the play were printed and it is still being remarks to him: produced, he said, mostly by high school drama groups. nMy hand is nqt the .color of yours, but if I pierce it, I sl)_all f~el pain~· If you At age 61, Sergel is perhaps best known for his pierce your hand, you also feel pain. · adaptations of books, such as "To Kill A Mocking The blood that will flow fro~ nine will bird," "Up the Down Staircase," "Black Elk be of the same color as yours. I am a Speaks," and "Welcome to the Monkey House." man. The same God made us both."

His work on "Black Elk Speaks," based on the In another instance, 'a despairing, bitter epic poem by the late John Neihardt, Nebraska Standing Bear reportedly told General Crook: poet laureat, led to Sergel to write "Footprints "I thought God intended us to live. But I in Blood.'' The play, produced by Bob Handy, was mistaken. God intends to give the country is being sponsored by the American Indian Center to the white man and we are to die. It rnay be of Omaha, Inc. well. It may be well."

STILL WRITING Sergel also found eloquence in the remarks of Poppleton and Judge Dundy~ "Some of Dundy's In the most furiously paced writing stint of opinions were beautiful essays," he said. his life, Sergei has labored 12 and 14 hours a day to meet his deadline. The play is "very He said he found it heartwarming that "so nearly finished" and will be by the time re­ many wonderful white people stood up for the hearsals begin next week, the writer said. native Americans and their cause. These were establishment people. Poppleton, for example, He said the bulk of the play is already in the was counsel for the Union Pacific. He took the hands of the principals, Mel Cobb, who will Standing B~ar case without fee.'' play Standing Bear, and Jane Lind, who has the role of Bright Eyes. Although Sergei is a Cauc~sian, his wife is part Cree Indian. · ''But my intere.st in native "I wish you hadn't asked me (if Cobb is an Americans began long before I met my wife," Indian)," Sergel said. "He isn't. But he he said. "I used to go hunting in British looks like Standing Bear. Magnificent stature. Columbia with a couple of Crees. We would sit Wonderful voice. He has great power. He has around the campfire at night and talk about experience portraying Indians. Re once played things. I got very close to Indian culture." Tecumseh." He stopped hunting, incidentally, after he be­ Sergei described Miss Lind as "a wonderful act­ came impressed with conservation arguments of ress who also happens to be a full-blooded Aleut environmentalists. "I've b.een 'clean' now for (Cont I d) (Cont'd) f HOOGA ( TI·IE LEADER) s SERGEL (CONT'D) (Dr. Rance), "The Crucib le" (~bry Warren), 11 The Seagull" (Marsha), "A Midsummer Night's Dream" four years," he said. (Helena) nnd "The Imaginary I nvalid" (Toinette).

!i.fter "Footprints in Blood" Sergel expects to The 30-member professional company of actors, incn•nt a n <:' w professional production of "Black musicians and dancers will assemble in Omaha 1 F: lk Spe;:iks. ' It will ' star Dav id Can:adine who, on August 5 t o begin rehearsals. Tickets for l,e said, turned down two movie roles in order FOOT PRINTS IN BLOOD are now on sale at the to make himself available for the role. Omaha Civic Auditorium and Brande is Box Offices. Tickets' are "f ree " to native. Americans. ( two (2) to a customer). Call Standing Bear Ticket PLAY RECEIVES .t'ORE GIFTS agents: 'Fred LeRoy or Anne HacKennon at 344- 0111 for information and on how to obtain your The production of 11 Footprints in Blood," a tickets (free). play based on the trial of Pone.a Indian Chief Standing Bear in Omaha 100 years ago, h~s re­ ceived donations of $2,000 each from Mutual of IBE.STORY OF STANDING BEAR ni,1 ha and t he Union Pacific Railroad Foundation, sponsors said. Standing Bear was a Chief of the Ponca Nation of North American Indians. The Poncas had Th'." play, written by Christopher Sergel, who originally lived in Northeastern Nebraska. wrote the play "Black Elk Speaks," is scheduled but in early 1877 they were forcibly moved to to premiere at the City Auditorium Music Hall Indian Territory in violation of their treaty t,ugust , 31 - September 3. righ ts in the treaties of 1858 and 1865 . In the wiotrr of 1878-79, Standing Bear and tven­ 12ob ilancly, producer of the production for the ty-nine of his followers escaped from Indian ;\1nr~ric.1n Indian Center of Omaha, said $23, 700 Territory aod walked more than 500 miles back 1),"lS bren contributed, including a $16, 700 grant to Nebraska, resting at the Omaha r eservation. fn ·" the Nebraska Committee for the Humanities. They were arr~sted there under orders of Briga­ The .show is budgeted at $57,500 and Handy said dier Ge neral George Crook and marched under the donations and strong early ticket sales guard to Fort Omaha. The trial that fol lowed have convinced him the budget will be met. is the main f ocus of the play titled : "FOOT­ PRINTS IN BLOOD., (Standing Bear I s Struggle for Tickets are available at the City Auditorium Freedom and Dignity) which is scheduled to be and Brandeis Ticket Centers. performed from August 31 - Se ptember 3, 1979, in the Mjsic Hall, Omaha Civic Auditorium. I I OMAHAN TO DIRECT WORU> PREMIERE OF FOOTPRINTS Tickets will be on sale from July. 16, 1979 at -t IN BLOOD the Brandeis and Civic Aud.itorium Box'. Offices at $8, $S · and $3. ,. Mary Michele Phillips of Omaha will direct the world premiere of FOOTPRINTS IN BLOOD at the The American Indian Center of Omaha has made Omaha Civic Auditorium (Music Hall) August 31 - it possible for all native Americans to get September 3. free tickets to the play. Please call Fred LeRoy or Anne MacKennon at the Indian Center

FOOTPRINTS IN BLOOD is based on Standing Bear's 344-0111 for information on the "free" tickets. 1 landmark trial in Omaha 100 years ago and is Two to a customer. Single persons receive only being produced by the American Indian Center. one ticket.

Phillips recently directed "My Fat Friend" for The American Indian Center of Omaha is also the Chanticleer Community Theatre. Her other sponsoring a series of related events to which achievements include directing "Sunny Side Up" the public is cordially invited: by Mary Lad<.ne r , "Freshwater" by Virginia Woolf (funded by the National Endo'Wlllent for the Ru- EVENT: "Standing Bear Celebration Day 0 anities), "Fragments in Search of a Whole0 at DATE: Saturday, August 25th; the Omaha Community -Playhouse, "Feiffer's Peo­ TIME: 1:00 p.m. to 10:00 p.m. ple" at the Jewish Connnunity Center, and 11 LUV" PLACE: Fort Omaha (Metro-Tech) -- 30th & ' at the University of Nebraska in Omaha. Ft. Streets Join the Omaha Indian community for The play's director attended St. Pius X and a Buffalo Feast, Pow wow, Concert Band, l Marian high schools and has a BFA-Dramatic Arts Square Dance, Ethnic Music and Fire­ degree from the University of Nebraska at works. Omaha. *-I•****** EVENT: "Sunrise Service of Reconciliation" Phillips additional training includes workshops DATE: Monday, September 3rd; with the Royal Shakespeare Company and Alvin TIME: 7:30 a.m. to 10:00 a.m. Alley Ensemble. She acted in "Two For The PLACE: Fort Omaha (Metro-Tech) -- 30th & SeaSaw (Gittel Mosca), "You're A Good Man Ft. Streets Ch;:irlic Brown" (Lucy), "What The Butter 'Saw" Let Indian and non-Jndian peoples (Cont'd) (Cont'd) 0 • ., ',. ; ~, ) •. -HONGA (m: LEADER)

THE STORY OF STANDTNG BEAR (CON"T'D) ~~scribed their plight to his friend, Thomas H. Tibbles, assist. :t 1 of the Omaha join together in dedicating them­ 'E_a ily ·Hereld . In atdition to informing his selves to the improvement of society readers of the situation, Tibbles contacted for tr·· \,-..,~r.:i_ ,,f all Americans. two prominent Omah~ ~~t~rn~;s, John L. Webster and A. J. Poppleton, to solicit their legal * * * * * * * * rhe Urban Indian Cultural Club, Inc., is spon- aid and service. Out of this came the de­ ,odng a Pow wow dedic:a_ted to Chief Standing cision to seek the Poncas' release through Je.::zr. ! writ of habeas .~2us in the Federal Cir­ cuit Court, Districtict of Nebraska, in Omaha. -VENT: "8th Annual Dodge Park POW WOW" )3 te: August 11 ·· September 3rd; The play, "Standing 3ear Becomes a Person" is 'ime: 1:00 p.~. to 5:00 p.m. centered on the trial that took place in Omaha 6:00 p.m. to 11:00 p.m. in the spring of 1879. The first act describes 'LACE: N.P. Dodge Park 11100 North River Dr. the events leading up to,the trial, while the second act deals entirely with the trial itself. 'or further information please contact: Ameri­ Tile third act concerns the aftermath of the ·an Indian Center of Omaha, Inc., 613 South 16th trial, that is to say, the ultimate failure :tr.eet, Omaha, ~e 68102. PHONE: 402 344-0111. of the Poncas to regain their ancestral home­ lands.

'.USSELL MEAMS RECEIVES PAROLE The trial of Standing Bear is significant not , only in terms of local Nebraska history but ,IM Activist Russell Means was paroled from also as part of the long struggle for human :ioux Falls South Dakota State Prison. Means rights in the United States. The nobility ad 24 months left to serve on a four-year riot of mind expressed by Chief Standing Bear onviction stemming from the 1974 Minnehaha during and preceding the trial gives an en­ 'ounty Courthouse disturbance in Sioux Falls. tirely different picture of the so-called 'e will return to Pine Ridge for employment. "savage" American Indian. Men like Thomas Tibbles~ John Webster, A. J. ~oppleton, Bright Eyes, and, not least of all, presiding judge, TANDING BEAR BEC~S A PERSON Elmer s. Dundy a brillant attorney, demonstra­ ted that there were also those among the white ENERAL INFORMATION. In the spring of 1877 race who were willing to. support the cause of he office of Indian Affairs of the Departmen~ justice for all the ihhabitants of this con­ f the Interior in Washington issued an ordeT tinent. ·Judge Du~dy's verdict in particular, 0r the removal of the Ponca Tribe to newly­ extending I as it did_, _.the ·protection of the ormed Indian Territory (present-day Oklahoma). U. s. Constitution to native Americans, is he Poncas were a peaceful, friendly band of clearly one of the most important legal ,ome 710 Indians who had their own reservation decisions of this or any other era i~ Ameri­ n the Niobrara River near the Nebraska-South can history. •akots border. This reservation had been es­ ablished through a treaty made between them nd the United States government on March 8, WINNEBAGO BURIAL PROGRAM FtJ,IDS 859. The Winnebago Tribe of Nebrask3 has approved n spite of this treaty, the Poncas, more than procedures for Distribution of Burial Funds 3lf of whom were women and children, were made available from interest accumulated under orced to leave their homee and land and Judgement Awards dated October 31, 1975. Tile ake Winnebago Tribal Business Council approved an the long, arduous journey to Indian Terri­ ti ory. During this journey many of the tribe allowance of $500 for payment to the Estates ied, and once in their new home in Indian Terri of deceased tribal members who died between 4 ,ry the tribe was further decimated by malaria, October 31, 1975 to May 15, 1979. If you ,isonous water and simple starvation. Out of should have a claim against any estate, you ?speration, a Ponca Chief named Standing Bear should get in touch with the Superintendent, ~cided to leads small band of some thirty of Winnebago Indian Agency, Winnebago, Ne 68071. is followers back to their ancestral home. If you have had a near relative die within r aversing the hundreds of miles at the height the last ·four years, and or since October 31, . I f winter in 1878- 79, the Poncas finally found 1975, you may well qualify for funds under i ' mporary shelter with the Omahas, a closely this plan. Current addresses are required for •lated tribe, on their reservation near pre- distribution purposes. These should be mailed n t day Decatur, Nebraska. to the Superintendent at Winnebago Indian Agency.

I March 1879 Brigadier General George Crook, .•mmander of the Department of the Platte, •ad q11artered at Fort Omaha, received order's Cl'W-tA TRIBAL PCW W0'4 1 arrest Standing Bear and his band of 29 on 10 nearby Omaha Indian reservation and return The annual Omaha tribal pow wow, sponsored ,n~ to In

' t,0, ~\ir\ ._ Ii ic U:,-\1.)! · rV 7 .

~ .~C f:i lD FOX TO HOLD P0,"1 ~KM from the Civic Auditorium. Native American artists and craftsmen from all over the United r1;.e Sac ~· Fox Pow wow will be held on August States will be present to create and market J, 10, 11 and 12 at Tama, Iowa. Dancers will their traditiorial clothing, jewelery, sculp­ co~p~te for top prize~. ture, paintings and other products.

The Standing Bear Celebration Day commemora­ -:HILDREN SOUGHT FOR HEAD START ting the lOOth Anniversity of his landmark trial in Omaha will be held at Fort Omaha lead Start is accepting applications for the (Metro-Tech Commu~ity College) and (General f:~11-term for children from 3 to 5. Crook House) on Saturd,ay, August 25th, 1:00 - 11 :00 p.m. It will highlight a tt"aditional \pplications for handicapped children and those "Buffalo Feast" including corn soup and fried [rorn lov-ir.come families will be considered bread prepared and served by the Native Ameri­ [irst, a H~ad Start spokesperson said. can c o:nmun i ty.

,

, f I~ HOOGA ( "!t~F. Willl:R)

'~TS MAY BE PICKED UP AT THE AMERICAN INDIAN CEN­ apparatus (the courts) of the society,'' he add:

TER BETWEEN 8:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m. 1 Monday thru ed. Friday. Or call, if you will, Fred LeRoy or Anne MacKennon at 402·344-0111 for information The court fight is the focus of the play. Bob on how you can obtain your free tickets. Handy, the producer.of "Black Elk Speaks," i~ . also producer of this play. Mary Michelle The American Indian Center of Omaha is a reg­ Phillip-s of Omaha is director. istered non-profit corporation in the State of '.1ebraska. The Tax Exempt number is 47-052-8897. Mel Cobb of the American Shakespeare Theatre will play Standing Bear. Jane Lind, an Aleut For additional information contact the Standing actress from New Mexico, will be Bright Eyes, Bear Project, American Indian Center of Om.aha, the narrator of the play. [nc., 613 Soutti 16th Street, Omaha, NE 68102. Phone: (402) 344-0111. * * * * * It wi 11 be presented August ..) 1 - September 3 at the City Auditorium Music Hall.

Et1'LOYM:NT NEWS SPIRltS CRY By The city is now taking applications for fire Pauline Tyndall fighters. The main requirement to be met is Omaha Tribe to be 18 years old and have a high school diplo­ War song, war feathers, war cries. ma or ~ED. Where and when did my spirit die? Not many suns ago I made a vow The Omaha Painting and Decorating joint appren­ To walk in peace, ticeship is still taking applications until · To honor all creatures both large and small, September 1, 1979. For further information con­ All creatures from the earth below tact Fred LeRoy, Career Development Specialist All creatures' from the sky above. at the A.'Tlerican Indian CE!n ter, 344-0111. Now my heart is sad as I leave behind A life 1 knew and believed was mine. O, tell me, WAKONDA (GOD), most high RUSSEL.L BRADLEY PROVIDES INFO Where and when did my spirit die? ON ()vVl,HA MINORS' FltIDS When the journey to the warm earth began, or when it was said Russell Bradley, superintendent of the Winnebago 'you, shall not retu~n again.' Indian Agency, has informed the American Indian Did my spirit die when the death wails Center that all Omahas who have judgement funds of the lodges rose to cresendos of dispair? remaining in trust by BIA may have them releas­ Or did the owl's cry foretell the·time to die? ed immediately, provided they are 18 years of No war song, war featl:t~rs,.. war criee; age. Applications may be obtained by writing lodge smoke, travels nor pony feet. to: Superintendent, Winnebago Indian Agency, Drums are silent and I hear no buffalo sound. Winnebago, Nebraska 68071. Creaking wagons, muffled moccasined feet; endless days with unending view of prairie land. The Veterans Administration's work-study pro­ Trees without shade, limp leaves wilted in gram is open to veterans attending college full­ the sun, time under the GI Bill. and rivers run sand. The cry of the children gone away; the owl cried again just. before day. REHEARSALS BEGIN F~ INDIAN PLAY We buried them on scaffolds high, then called their spirits Rehearsals began Monday at Omaha's Junior as we moved our camps away. Theatre for the August 31 premiere of "Foot­ I must remember~ War song, war feathers, prints in Blood," a play based on the history war cries! of a Nebraska Indian chief. Once again the wagons creak as silently we move away. Thirty actors, including professionals from Los We stop at burial sites, we dare not stay. Angeles and New York, will participate in the Kind white man gave us bread production, which will be part of the annual then turned with bowed head as we walked by. Septemberfest celebration. My son and I, we are going.home to the earth we know. The true story took place 100 years ago when Look! On the snow, 'red footprints' sh9.w. Ponca Chief Standing Bear went to federal court Whose blood is this, I cry? in Omaha to fight for the rights of Indians. My son, the Mahas 1 camp is near. They will lend shelter for our robes. "He kept asking the question: 'Why can't In­ AHO, Spirits, come follow me. dians have the same rights as white men?' and Uistant thunder rolls aloud,"lightning flashes no one could answer it," said Chris Sergel, the blue. author of this work as well as "Black Elk Spe­ Gentle rain join earth and sky once again. aks." (This is a poem of Standing Bear's journey to "The event is significant because it is the Oklahoma and return to his homeland. Dedicated first time a native American began using the to Christopher Sergel, he has made it a part of (Cont'd) the script.) * * * * * * * * * (END) , AUGU§T (O)NJP>(Q) ~,LH lU-T (0) N-IKJE OMAHA:WHEN THE ELK PELLOVVS Il919 . . § . M lF § . - - -,~ w -""'~·-. ..-- -- . l 2 3 ·· 4 5 6 7 8 9 10 l l OKAHA TRIBAL POW-WOW, MACY, NEBRASKA, AUGUST 8, 9, ll, II, 12 • . - SAC fO)( pow~wow, TANA, tOWA, AUGUST 9, 10. 11:~

12 ~~~ :l 13 15 ]6 "?ard of 17 PCJA,"1 - '.ION 14 01 rec-tors 18 Last d~y . t1cet ing. AICO 7 P.H.

2 5 Standing 19 20 22 24. ..,ear Celebration, For Onaha; 1-lJ P.M.

"footprints (~1st) :>odge Par 26 . 27 28 29 . 30 31 In i.. lood'' Paw-Jow I P. K• .Jo r1 d P rerr I ere.

,\. Mus I c eta 11.