Insight in Indian Country Podcast
Trusted Expertise to Serve Tribal Nations | REDW National Tribal Practice
Episode 56 – Leadership & Cultural Respect with Principal Chief Geoffrey Standing Bear
In honor of Native American Heritage Month, REDW Principal and National Tribal Practice Leader Wes Benally sits down with Principal Chief Geoffrey Standing Bear of the Osage Nation for a profound conversation about leadership, cultural respect, and the journey that shaped one of Indian Country’s most experienced leaders.
Chief Standing Bear, now in his third term as Osage Nation Principal Chief, shares his remarkable path from University of Oklahoma law student during the American Indian Movement era to becoming general counsel of the Muscogee Creek Nation in his late twenties. He recounts his involvement in filing the first federal Indian gaming case in Oklahoma in November 1984, his work with multiple Tribes, and his service as General Counsel to the Oklahoma Indian Gaming Association. The conversation explores the cultural teachings that guide his leadership, the importance of humility and surrounding yourself with experienced advisors, and the critical need to understand and respect each Tribe’s unique sovereignty, traditions, and ways of connecting with the sacred.
Chapters
- 00:00 – Introduction and Welcome
- 01:25 – The Path to Leadership
- 02:53 – University Days and the American Indian Movement
- 05:03 – Law School and Early Career
- 07:22 – The First Indian Gaming Cases in Oklahoma
- 09:12 – Cultural Teachings and Finding Your Way Home
- 15:32 – Building the Osage Nation
- 21:45 – Economic Development and Diversification
- 28:18 – Healthcare and Community Services
- 35:45 – Election Integrity and Tribal Governance
- 40:45 – Respect First
A Message for Native American Heritage Month
As we celebrate Native American Heritage Month, Chief Standing Bear’s wisdom reminds us that true partnership with Indian Country begins with genuine respect and understanding. Each Tribal Nation has its own constitution, culture, and sacred traditions that deserve our time and attention to learn about properly. Whether you’re a business advisor, service provider, or community partner, remember that you’re entering their country and are there to help—not to impose. This kind of respect, paired with REDW’s deep commitment to serving Tribal Nations with integrity and cultural understanding, creates the foundation for meaningful, lasting partnerships.
REDW Advisors and CPAs is proud to bring you the Insight in Indian Country Podcast, covering important advisory, accounting, and finance topics that impact Tribal Nations and business affairs.
Meet Your Host
Wesley Ryan Benally, CPA
REDW Principal and National Tribal Practice Leader
As the leader of REDW’s National Tribal Practice, Wes is committed to improving financial literacy throughout Indian Country and hosts the Insight in Indian Country Podcast. He oversees audits of a wide range for Native American communities, state and local government agencies, and non-profits nationwide, is a member of the Arizona State Board of Accountancy’s Peer Review Oversight Advisory Committee, and serves as an instructor with Arizona State University’s American Indian Policy Institute. In addition, as a Board member for a tribal gaming entity that operates in two states, Wes keeps up with regulatory issues important to tribal gaming operations. Wes is an enrolled member of the Navajo Nation.
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