Comments & News
Comments & News
Updates on the work that carries forward, and the words people are sending in.
News
2026-08-03
His Sedona ceremony has been released on video, with the full transcript posted alongside it.
Comments
Standing Bear: A Man of All Nations
by Ben Bowler · Founder, UNITY EARTH
“He embodied what it means to become, in the deepest sense, a man of all nations.”
There are some people whose presence immediately makes you feel that the circle has become a little wider. Standing Bear was one of those people.
We were honoured to welcome him in to Japan during UNITY EARTH's Peace Week in 2024, where he brought not only Indigenous wisdom, but a deep gentleness, humour, and humanity. He carried himself as someone who knew both suffering and hope, and because of that he had a remarkable ability to make others feel seen.
This week we learned of his unexpected passing in Arizona on July 2, aged just 55.
Born Wayne William Snellgrove, a member of the Saulteaux Nation in Saskatchewan, Standing Bear's life was one of extraordinary contrasts. As a young man he was an elite swimmer, lifeguard and two-time U.S. National Open Water Champion. Later he would rediscover his Indigenous family after surviving Canada's Sixties Scoop, reclaiming his identity, his people, and his purpose.
Under the guidance of Elder Tony StoneHawk, he became a healer, fire keeper, teacher and advocate for Indigenous rights. But perhaps more importantly, he became someone willing to share his own wounds so that others might find healing. Whether speaking in prisons, addiction centres, international gatherings or around sacred fires, he reminded people that our deepest pain can become our greatest gift to the world.
His brother Tom wrote these beautiful words: “The final stage of healing is using what happens to you to help other people.” Standing Bear didn't simply quote those words. He lived them.
He embodied what it means to become, in the deepest sense, a man of all nations. Rooted in his own Indigenous identity, he nevertheless crossed cultures, faiths and borders with ease, finding family wherever people gathered in the spirit of peace.
Those of us who met him will remember his quiet smile, his thoughtful presence, his stories, and the generous spirit he brought into every circle.
Our hearts are with his son Alexander, his brother Tom, his family, his community, and the many thousands of lives he touched across the world.
May the sacred fires he tended continue to burn in those he inspired.
Thank you, Standing Bear.
You walked gently among us.
May you now walk on in great peace.
Ben Bowler · Founder, UNITY EARTH
by Professor Alexander Schieffer · Holomovement
“A field of sunflowers, with the streaming rivers and the open oceans that Standing Bears so thrived in.”
Our dearest Zenka, it was truly a shock for us to hear about the passing of Standing Bears. We were so fortunate that thanks to the Holomovement, we could have this sacred and precious moment with Standing Bears and really feel his heart and soul.
For me, it was particularly thanks to your workshop where I had this really powerful and special moment, really touching into his soul and life and the incredible wisdom he carried. And it was so moving to know that it was Unity Week in Japan, exactly when we were connected — as we were starting the one-home journey, the Holomovement and planetary movement, on the 21st of September — connected with you in Hiroshima that day, that the two of you met and that your beautiful, loving partnership just multiplied.
All of Standing Bears gives to the world, as well as yours — it's such a consolation that if he had to leave this realm for that other, greater realm of the eternal home at such a young age, with so much more to give, to help us heal and transform and live in love, that it was in the embrace of the beautiful, loving partnership that the two of you shared.
We cannot fathom how this must be for you, and we send you much more than condolences — the deepest embrace of the great mother. Our hearts broken open with reverence and tenderness, with a field of sunflowers, with the streaming rivers and the open oceans that Standing Bears so thrived in.
by Dr. Rama Mani · Holomovement
“There was this light around this man. I immediately felt an attraction to the aura, to the beauty that he carried in himself.”
Our dear sister, Zenka — we are still so deeply touched. We just spent the last hour here in our garden in France, watching Kristine's beautiful tribute to Standing Bears. And this brought back the energy of our very first encounter with him, in your presence, at the Holomovement.
It was the first time we met him in person. There was this light around this man. I immediately felt an attraction to the aura, to the beauty that he carried in himself, that so luminously transcended his physical presence.
So I was immediately captivated, and it took us almost to the last day that he had — but I had a bit of a conversation with him, during which we also took these two photos. And I saw him in his light. I saw him in his power. I felt him in his strong energy and wisdom. And nothing in those moments spoke that he wouldn't have much more time on this earthly plane. Gratitude that life brought us into his presence.
We will honor it forever, and we're sending you our love and compassion and strength as you mourn his loss, and treasure that he brought into your life and into so many people's lives, forever.
