4 Quotes & Sayings By Luther Standing Bear

Luther Standing Bear (1868-1939) was one of the first Native Americans to be granted an audience with the President of the United States. From 1916 to 1921, he served as an official advisor on Indian affairs to President Woodrow Wilson. He was the Director of the Indian Defense Agency, which fought for American Indians against land theft and exploitation by white settlers. Standing Bear is credited with coining the term "Sioux" (a Sioux word meaning "friend") Read more

In 1907, he was chosen to speak at the World's Parliament of Religions in Chicago, becoming one of the few Native Americans ever to speak before a world audience. In 1921, he founded Luther Standing Bear College at Fort Yates, North Dakota, serving as its president until his death in 1939.

1
Now all these virtues mean one thing, and that is bravery. A Sioux boy was taught to be brave always. It was not sufficient to be brave enough to go to war. He must be brave enough to make personal sacrifices and to think little of personal gain. To be brave was the supreme test of a Sioux boy, and this bravery might receive a greater test in times of peace than in times of war. Luther Standing Bear
2
Hollow Horn Bear knew that to be leader and adviser of his people he must be honest and reliable, and that his word once given in promise must never be taken back. He knew that he must be a man of will-power, standing for the right no matter what happened to him personally; that he must have strength of purpose, allowing no influence to turn him from doing what was best for the tribe. He must be willing to serve his people without thought of pay. He must be utterly unselfish and kind-hearted to the old and poor and stand ready to give to those in need. Above all, he must be unafraid to deal equal justice to all. Luther Standing Bear
3
Generosity is a mark of bravery, so all Sioux boys were taught to be generous. Luther Standing Bear