Geoffrey Standing Bear facts for kids
Quick facts for kids
Geoffrey M. Standing Bear
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Standing Bear in 2024
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| Principal Chief of Osage Nation | |
| Assumed office 2 July 2014 |
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| 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. He has served as the Principal Chief of the Osage Nation since 2014. He is a member of the Osage Nation.
Contents
Early Life and Education
Chief Standing Bear was born into the Osage Nation. This happened in the state of 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, an important Osage leader.
Leading the Osage Nation
Over the years, Geoffrey Standing Bear became very active in tribal politics. The Osage people wanted to have more control over their own affairs.
He was chosen by the people to be the Principal Chief of the Osage Nation. He started his term on July 2, 2014. He followed Scott Bighorse, who was serving as acting chief.
Protecting Osage Rights
When Chief Standing Bear took office, the Osage Nation had just won a big case. They received money from the U.S. government. This was to fix problems with how their mineral rights money was handled.
Under his leadership, the Osage Nation worked to get more land. They bought over 50,000 acres. Much of this land was once part of their reservation. This included the 43,000-acre Bluestem Ranch. The tribe bought it from Ted Turner. This ranch is in the traditional Osage homeland.
The tribe has also started new projects. They built a large casino in Tulsa, Oklahoma. They also created new programs for education. These programs help keep the Osage language alive. Two new community centers were also built for the people.
Chief Standing Bear has also worked to protect the tribe's rights. This includes their rights to water and minerals. He has stood up for the Osage Nation's self-governance.
Working with Hollywood
Chief Standing Bear worked closely with director Martin Scorsese. This was for the movie Killers of the Flower Moon (2023). He helped create chances for Osage people to be part of the film. This also helped share their culture with the world.
Many Osage people were hired as actors and extras. Others worked behind the scenes. They helped with research and made sure costumes and sets were accurate. This showed the true history and culture of the Osage Nation.
