Ponca Tribe of Nebraska

In the early 1700's, the Ponca moved from their South Dakota home to Nebraska. In 1877, the government sent Ponca chiefs to visit potential reservation sites in Oklahoma. The chiefs did not like the sites, but when they returned home they found troops ready to move their people. Once in Oklahoma, the Ponca had no food and many became ill. Nearly one third of the people died.

When Chief Standing Bear's son died, his family took the body to their sacred burial grounds in Nebraska. Indians were not allowed to leave the reservation and they were arrested as renegades. After a long trial, Standing Bear and his followers were set free. In 1881, their lands in Nebraska were returned to the tribe and some Ponca went back to their northern home. Today the Ponca Tribe of Nebraska's headquarters is in Niobrara, Nebraska.

About the Flag:

The flag was designed by Jeri L. Cross - Redwing (Ponca). The pipe and crossed arrows represent peace and friendship. The sun symbolizes unity of all beings under Wakonda (the Creator). A spirit hoop with four eagle feathers circles everything. The number four is sacred to the Ponca and stands for the four winds or directions. The colors symbolize the directions and the four races of people.

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