Standing Bear was a prominent figure in the late 19th century, known for his role as a leader of the Ponca Tribe. He became famous for his legal battle in 1879, when he sought to assert the rights of Native Americans in the United States. Standing Bear argued that he and his people had the right to return to their ancestral lands after being forcibly relocated. His case, known as Standing Bear v. Crook, was significant because it challenged the U.S. government's treatment of Native Americans. The court ultimately ruled that Native Americans were persons under the law, which marked a pivotal moment in the fight for Native American rights and recognition.