The Chief Standing Bear Prize for Courage: A Legacy in Action
The Chief Standing Bear Prize for Courage exists to prove that the landmark civil rights victory of 1879 was not a final destination, but the beginning of a living legacy. The mission of the Project is to honor contemporary Native Americans who carry the torch of Chief Standing Bear by choosing what is right over what is expedient. This prize recognizes that courage today mirrors the spirit of the 19th century: it is the quiet resilience to endure hardship, the determination to lead when the path is uncertain, and the unwavering strength to stand firm in one’s convictions.
The Project celebrates the “trailblazers” who continue to shatter institutional barriers. Recognition is given to those who have risked personal safety in humanitarian service, those who use their voices to protect sacred cultural resources, and those whose professional presence replaces stereotypes with human dignity. Whether confronting painful systemic histories or advocating for justice in our courts and legislatures, these recipients prove that the fight for “personhood” is an ongoing endeavor.
By promoting awareness and support for this prize, the Project provides a national platform for moral leadership. Through public forums and the presentation of the Standing Bear statuette, the Chief’s legacy of dignity and determination continues to serve as a compass, inspiring a more just world for future generations.
