"So far, many of the [Nebraska] state quarter images represent parochial views of state history.

As a dual citizen of both the United States and a tribal nation, I know U.S. history didn't start with settlers on the Oregon Trail. States first had to recognize and negotiate with more than 500 tribes who had an established history here long before any state entered the union.

Yet Nebraskans appear poised to take an iconic image of a chief and make civil rights a front-and-center issue.

It's been 125 years since Standing Bear spoke to the court in Omaha. With his arm outstretched, he said: "That hand is not the color of yours, but if I pierce it, I shall feel pain. If you pierce your hand, you also feel pain. The blood that will flow from mine will be the same color as yours. I am a man. God made both of us."

Now there's an image strong enough to inspire pride and dignity for all, words with enough appeal to spread far beyond Nebraska's borders."

Get the Story:
Column: Coin designs offer differing views of history (The Missoulian 9/14)

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