Geoffrey Standing Bear facts for kids
Quick facts for kids
Geoffrey M. Standing Bear
|
|
|---|---|
Standing Bear in 2024
|
|
| Principal Chief of Osage Nation | |
| Assumed office 2 July 2014 |
|
| Preceded by | Scott Bighorse |
| Personal details | |
| Relatives | Fred Lookout (great-grandfather) |
| Residences | Oklahoma, U.S. |
| Alma mater | University of Tulsa, J.D. |
| Profession | Attorney |
Geoffrey M. Standing Bear is an attorney and a leader of the Osage Nation. He has been the Principal Chief of the Osage Nation since 2014. As Chief, he works to protect and improve the lives of the Osage people.
Contents
Early Life and Education
Chief Standing Bear was born into the Osage Nation in Oklahoma. He went to Bishop Kelley High School in Tulsa, Oklahoma. Later, he studied law at the University of Tulsa College of Law. His great-grandfather was Fred Lookout, who was also a respected leader of the Osage Nation.
Leading the Osage Nation
Becoming Principal Chief
Geoffrey Standing Bear became very involved in the politics of his tribe. The Osage people wanted more control over their own affairs. He was elected as Principal Chief of the Osage Nation. He officially started his role on July 2, 2014. He took over after the previous chief was removed from office.
Growing the Nation's Resources
When Chief Standing Bear took office, the Osage Nation had just received a large payment from the United States government. This money was to make up for past mistakes in managing the tribe's mineral rights. Under his leadership, the Osage Nation has worked to buy back more of their traditional lands. They have acquired over 50,000 acres, including the 43,000-acre Bluestem Ranch. This ranch is in an area that has always been important to the Osage people.
New Projects and Culture
The tribe has also started many new projects. They built a large casino in Tulsa, Oklahoma. They also created new programs to help with education and to keep the Osage language alive. Two new community centers were also built for the people. Chief Standing Bear's administration has also worked to protect the tribe's rights to water and minerals. They have discussed these important issues with the Oklahoma Attorney General's office.
Osage Culture in Film
Chief Standing Bear worked closely with director Martin Scorsese and his team. This was for the movie Killers of the Flower Moon (2023). He made sure the film created chances for Osage people. Many Osage were hired as actors and extras in the movie. Others worked behind the scenes as technical staff. They also helped with research to make sure costumes and sets were historically accurate. This helped share Osage culture with a wider audience.
