LINCOLN, Neb. — In a moving celebration held on Indigenous Peoples Day, October 13, 2025, the Lied Center for Performing Arts in Lincoln was filled with an audience of more than 200 people to honor former U.S. Secretary of the Interior Deb Haaland as the 2025 recipient of the Chief Standing Bear Prize for Courage.

The award, presented by The Chief Standing Bear Project, recognizes Native Americans who, in the spirit of Ponca Chief Standing Bear, demonstrate the courage to do what is right rather than what is expedient. The evening brought together tribal leaders, dignitaries, and community members to celebrate Haaland’s historic leadership and lifelong advocacy for Indigenous peoples.

The Nebraska Commission on Indian Affairs was a key partner with the Standing Bear Project non profit as part of its celebration of Indigenous People’s Day.

Ponca Tribe of Nebraska Chairwoman Candace Schmidt reflected on the enduring impact of Standing Bear’s heroism, noting that Secretary Haaland’s life and leadership exemplify the same spirit of dignity and determination.

Nebraska tribal leaders and members from across the state attended the ceremony, which not only honored Haaland’s achievements in the spirit of Standing Bear, but also served as a broader celebration of Indigenous Peoples Day in Nebraska.  The evening included honoring gifts presented by representatives of several Nebraska tribes — including a star quilt from the Santee Sioux Nation, a Pendleton blanket provided by Ho-Chunk, Inc., a shawl from the Ponca Tribe of Nebraska, and additional gifts from the Omaha Tribe.

Renowned sculptor Benjamin Victor, who created both the Chief Standing Bear statue that represents Nebraska in the U.S. Capitol’s Statuary Hall and the award’s bronze statuette, assisted Standing Bear Prize President Katie Brossy in unveiling the piece presented to Haaland. The award stands as a powerful symbol of Standing Bear’s courage and the continued journey toward justice and recognition.

Haaland expressed deep gratitude during her acceptance remarks: “I’m so humbled and honored to have been chosen for the Chief Standing Bear Award. This recognition means so much to me and is a testament to the strength, resilience, and courage of Indigenous people who have come before us.”

She continued, “I was a Rez kid running through the desert in the summertime, not the daughter of politicians, and I was not endowed with money or power. Tonight, as I accept this really amazing and beautiful award, I do so with the knowledge that I am just one rung on the ladder that people continue to build together. We lower that ladder down to help lift others up, and then future generations who come after us will stand on our shoulders and accomplish great things.”

Past recipients of the Chief Standing Bear Prize for Courage include actor Wes Studi, Nebraska State Senator Tom Brewer, and U.S. District Judge Diane Humetewa.

The Chief Standing Bear Project, Inc., founded in 2022, is a nonprofit organization dedicated to promoting the life and civil rights legacy of Chief Standing Bear through lectures, forums, and national events. Its signature initiative — the Chief Standing Bear Prize for Courage — continues to honor Native Americans who embody the enduring strength and humanity of Standing Bear’s stand for justice.

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