Some say decision was missed opportunity

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BY JOE DUGGAN / Lincoln Journal Star

She first learned of Chief Standing Bear from her grandmother. As a Ponca girl growing up on a farm near Niobrara, Donna Wendzillo inherited the story of the great chief of her people, the one her grandmother called "Ma-chu-nah-zah."

Now 78, Wendzillo learned how in the winter of 1879, Standing Bear left Indian Territory  on foot with the body of his 12-year-old son, intent on burying the boy along the Niobrara River. And how, after he was arrested, Standing Bear won a legal challenge in Nebraska that said Native people were indeed people and citizens under the law of the United States.

So Wendzillo, who lives in Sioux City, Iowa, felt a rush of emotion when she heard Wednesday morning that Nebraska's governor chose not to place Standing Bear's image on the quarter dollar.

Disbelief.

Bitterness.

But mostly, sadness.

"My heart is broken," she said as she wept.

For Natives and others who wanted a Standing Bear quarter, the selection of covered wagon rolling past Chimney Rock triggered reactions ranging from disappointment to anger. But unlike Wendzillo, most said they weren't surprised by Gov. Dave Heineman's choice.

"I think politics was a part of the  decision and I regret that it entered the picture," said John Wunder, a history professor at the University of Nebraska-Lincoln who has taught students about Standing Bear. "I doubt anyone will say that, but I think that had to be a factor in the decision."

Wunder argued that Heineman is an obvious underdog in the 2006 Republican gubernatorial primary to U.S. Rep. Tom Osborne. Selecting Chimney Rock, which looms over the North Platte River in far western Nebraska, scored him political points in Osborne's congressional district.

After announcing the quarter design Wednesday, Heineman strongly denied that he weighed political costs or benefits in making the decision.

Regardless of the motivation, Standing Bear supporters said the governor missed an opportunity to teach the nation about a  great historical event from Nebraska that too few people know about. Some questioned whether the governor even understands the significance and universal appeal of Standing Bear's story.

"I think all of us can identify with wanting to keep your word to your son, wanting to bury your child in your state, wanting to return home," said Judy Morgan gaiashibos, director of the Nebraska Commission on Indian Affairs.

She called the governor's decision "unconscionable" and said it was an "insult to Nebraska's first citizens." She also found it ironic that he selected a landmark that symbolized Eruoamerican migrations that brought an end to traditional Native life.

"I think this would have given an opportunity to make amends for the Manifest Destiny tragedies that befell our people," she said.

Regardless of the governor's decision, supporters will continue to work for a stamp and national holiday in honor of Standing Bear.

Mark Peniska of Lincoln, chairman of the Ponca Tribe of Nebraska, said he wished more people understood that Standing Bear's courage,  character and legal victory affects everyone, regardless of race or ethnicity. His achievement represented a rare moment in history when justice truly prevailed.

As the leader of a sovereign nation, Peniska said he understands political pressure and that some decisions won't please everyone. He just wishes he could know the governor's motive.

"If he did it to help bring western Nebraska together, I could understand. If it was just a political move, that would upset me."

Reach Joe Duggan at 473-7239 or jduggan@journalstar.com.