Before his election, Chief Standing Bear practiced law for 34 years. He concentrated on federal Indian law. He served as Assistant Principal Chief of the Osage Tribe from 1990 through 1994 and was a Member of the Osage Nation Congress from 2010 to 2014. While a practicing lawyer, he was involved in the first Indian gaming cases in Oklahoma. He also was General Counsel to the Oklahoma Indian Gaming Association.
In 2017, Chief Standing Bear was recognized by Oklahoma Magazine as an Oklahoman of the Year for his leadership of the Osage Nation. He received his B.A. from the University of Oklahoma and his J.D. from the University of Tulsa College of Law.
He sees the Osage Nation expanding its land base, maintaining its vibrant traditions, and returning the Osage language to daily use. His belief is that this and much more can be done through the power of the Osage child, and it is, therefore, the duty of all his people to protect and nurture the children of the Nation.
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