Wounded Knee Occupation

Definition

The Wounded Knee Occupation was a 71-day standoff between members of the American Indian Movement (AIM) and federal law enforcement that began on February 27, 1973, at Wounded Knee, South Dakota. It was a pivotal event in Native American political activism, highlighting issues of treaty rights, sovereignty, and the treatment of Native Americans by the U.S. government.

5 Must Know Facts For Your Next Test

1. The occupation began as AIM sought to draw attention to the U.S. government's failure to honor treaties with Native Americans and address socio-economic issues in their communities.
2. Around 200 AIM members occupied Wounded Knee, taking hostages and demanding negotiations with the federal government.
3. The standoff involved armed confrontations with federal agents, resulting in casualties on both sides, including the death of two Native Americans.
4. The Wounded Knee Occupation garnered national media coverage, raising awareness about Native American issues and influencing public perception.
5. This event marked a turning point in Native American activism, leading to increased advocacy for tribal rights and sovereignty throughout the 1970s and beyond.

Review Questions

• How did the Wounded Knee Occupation reflect the broader goals of the American Indian Movement?
  • The Wounded Knee Occupation exemplified the American Indian Movement's efforts to challenge systemic injustices faced by Native Americans. It brought attention to broken treaties, socioeconomic disparities, and the demand for tribal sovereignty. By staging a dramatic protest at a historically significant site, AIM aimed to highlight their grievances and push for real change in U.S. policies regarding Native American rights.
• What were the immediate outcomes of the Wounded Knee Occupation for both Native American communities and federal policies?
  • The immediate outcomes included heightened awareness of Native American issues within the public sphere and a reevaluation of U.S. government policies toward Indigenous peoples. While no formal agreements were reached during the standoff, it led to increased federal attention on tribal needs and issues surrounding treaty rights. This occupation set the stage for future negotiations and legislative efforts focused on improving conditions for Native Americans.
• Evaluate the long-term impacts of the Wounded Knee Occupation on Native American activism and policy changes in subsequent decades.
  • The long-term impacts of the Wounded Knee Occupation were significant in shaping Native American activism. It energized Indigenous movements across the country, fostering solidarity among tribes and prompting legislative changes such as the American Indian Religious Freedom Act of 1978. Furthermore, it raised awareness about sovereignty issues that continue to influence contemporary tribal governance and legal battles over land rights and resources.

Related terms

American Indian Movement (AIM): A civil rights organization founded in 1968 that sought to address issues of discrimination and injustice faced by Native Americans, advocating for their rights and sovereignty.

Treaty Rights: Legal agreements made between Native American tribes and the U.S. government that outline specific rights and privileges granted to tribes, often related to land use and resource management.

Sovereignty: The inherent authority of a tribe to govern itself within its territory, making decisions regarding its laws, culture, and resources without external interference.