Standing Bear name up for approval after unanimous agreement at meeting

LINCOLN, Neb. — A new school in Lincoln may carry the name of a Native American legend.

The naming committee of the Lincoln Board of Education chose the name Standing Bear High School at a meeting for the new school this week.

Standing Bear and his family were removed from Nebraska in the late 1800s to Oklahoma. His son passed away in Oklahoma and he made it his mission to bury him back in Nebraska.

He was later arrested, and the matter was brought to court. After that, it was declared that Native Americans were considered people in the U.S.

“The words Monchu Nonzhin means he stood up and did good for our people and for the goodness that you did for our people, you will live through this song,” said Ponca tribe member Steve Laravie Jr. after playing a drum for the board.

The board will vote to approve the name at the next school board meeting. The school is set to be complete by the fall of 2023.

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