Out of frustration from discrimination and years of federal Indian policy, Dennis Banks, George Mitchell, George Mellessey, Herb Powless, Clyde Bellecourt, Vernon Bellecourt, Harold Goodsky, Eddie Benton-Banai, and many more members of the American Indian community came together to establish The American Indian Movement (AIM) in 1968, and take back control of their destiny from the US government. Throughout history, Indians have often been abused and taken advantage of, even by law enforcement. Rectification for such actions has often been slim, and a growing population of both Native Americans and non-Native Americans felt change was necessary. Originally created to campaign for changes in the US regarding Indian affairs, AIM was involved in many large scale occupations and protests for Indian rights. The movement aimed to focus Native Americans on a renewal of spiritual strength in order to remedy destructive policies against Indians. At the heart of AIM is a sense of connectedness of all Indian people and their spirituality. Eventually the movement encompassed a whole spectrum of Native American needs, including economic independence, regeneration of Indian culture, legal protection, and most importantly, autonomy of tribal areas and the restoration of lands that were illegally seized.
A crucial aspect of AIM is the understanding that the work for Indian rights goes on because the need goes on. The movement takes pride in understanding that self autonomy is key, and that no one else but Native Americans themselves can assure the future generations to come. Self-determination must be a group effort stemming from cultural solidarity. AIM's first priority is to ensure the fulfillment of treaties made with the US, which builds a necessary foundation for further rights and progress. The movement has also actively spoken out against the high unemployment of Indians, slum housing, and racist treatment of Native Americans. It has also placed a large focus on fighting for the reclamation of tribal land, in addition to generally advocating for Indians who were forced into poverty and illness as a result of unjust policies in the federal government.
AIM often used occupation and protesting as tactics against the US government. A famous case of AIM protest was the occupation of Alcatraz Island in 1969. Alcatraz was occupied for 19 months by the United Indians of All Tribes, which AIM accompanied in reclaiming federal land in the name of Native Nations. During the 19 month occupation an Indian radio broadcast began, Radio Free Alcatraz, which was heard across the Bay Area and discussed Indian rights and negotiations. The occupation succeeded in the federal government ending its policy of termination (assimilation of Native Americans into mainstream American society) to adopt a policy of Indian self-determination. In addition, Congress passed 52 legislative proposals on behalf of Native Americans to advocate for tribal self-rule. Funding for the BIA, Indian health care, drug and alcohol recovery programs, and housing, were dramatically increased as well.
Occupation was also used as a protesting strategy in the 1972 march on Washington, DC which ended in the occupation of BIA (Bureau of Indian Affairs) headquarters which resulted in the presentation of the Trail of Broken Treaties 20-point manifesto to President Nixon. Outlined in the manifesto were points such as the restoration of treaty making, review of treaty commitments and violations, relief for treaty violations, restoration of land, abolishment of Bureau of Indian Affairs and the creation of a new office of Federal Indian Relations, and many more vital conditions for Indians to gain back their rights.
One of the biggest AIM events that is still remembered and celebrated today is the Occupation of Wounded Knee in 1973. AIM was contacted for assistance in dealing with BIA and Tribal Council corruption, which eventually led to a 71 day occupation and battle against US forces. The occupation aimed to call widespread attention to unsafe living conditions of Native Americans and the years of both federal and local mistreatment of Indians. Today, Wounded Knee is a remembered event that draws global attention to the struggle of Native Americans today, and throughout history.
Despite its similarity to the civil rights movement, AIM did not have a goal of desegregation. In addition, unlike the civil rights movement, individual rights were not given priority. The acquirement of sovereignty for Native Nations was first and foremost, along with the solidarity and spirituality of Indian communities. While both movements made incredible progress in their own ways, they were not headed towards the same goals. As we look back at our nation's history, it becomes clear that the fight for rights encompasses the needs of a multitude of demographics, each with their own definition of justice.
A crucial aspect of AIM is the understanding that the work for Indian rights goes on because the need goes on. The movement takes pride in understanding that self autonomy is key, and that no one else but Native Americans themselves can assure the future generations to come. Self-determination must be a group effort stemming from cultural solidarity. AIM's first priority is to ensure the fulfillment of treaties made with the US, which builds a necessary foundation for further rights and progress. The movement has also actively spoken out against the high unemployment of Indians, slum housing, and racist treatment of Native Americans. It has also placed a large focus on fighting for the reclamation of tribal land, in addition to generally advocating for Indians who were forced into poverty and illness as a result of unjust policies in the federal government.
AIM often used occupation and protesting as tactics against the US government. A famous case of AIM protest was the occupation of Alcatraz Island in 1969. Alcatraz was occupied for 19 months by the United Indians of All Tribes, which AIM accompanied in reclaiming federal land in the name of Native Nations. During the 19 month occupation an Indian radio broadcast began, Radio Free Alcatraz, which was heard across the Bay Area and discussed Indian rights and negotiations. The occupation succeeded in the federal government ending its policy of termination (assimilation of Native Americans into mainstream American society) to adopt a policy of Indian self-determination. In addition, Congress passed 52 legislative proposals on behalf of Native Americans to advocate for tribal self-rule. Funding for the BIA, Indian health care, drug and alcohol recovery programs, and housing, were dramatically increased as well.
Occupation was also used as a protesting strategy in the 1972 march on Washington, DC which ended in the occupation of BIA (Bureau of Indian Affairs) headquarters which resulted in the presentation of the Trail of Broken Treaties 20-point manifesto to President Nixon. Outlined in the manifesto were points such as the restoration of treaty making, review of treaty commitments and violations, relief for treaty violations, restoration of land, abolishment of Bureau of Indian Affairs and the creation of a new office of Federal Indian Relations, and many more vital conditions for Indians to gain back their rights.
One of the biggest AIM events that is still remembered and celebrated today is the Occupation of Wounded Knee in 1973. AIM was contacted for assistance in dealing with BIA and Tribal Council corruption, which eventually led to a 71 day occupation and battle against US forces. The occupation aimed to call widespread attention to unsafe living conditions of Native Americans and the years of both federal and local mistreatment of Indians. Today, Wounded Knee is a remembered event that draws global attention to the struggle of Native Americans today, and throughout history.
Despite its similarity to the civil rights movement, AIM did not have a goal of desegregation. In addition, unlike the civil rights movement, individual rights were not given priority. The acquirement of sovereignty for Native Nations was first and foremost, along with the solidarity and spirituality of Indian communities. While both movements made incredible progress in their own ways, they were not headed towards the same goals. As we look back at our nation's history, it becomes clear that the fight for rights encompasses the needs of a multitude of demographics, each with their own definition of justice.