Wounded Knee Occupation

Definition

The Wounded Knee Occupation was a 71-day standoff that occurred in 1973 at the Pine Ridge Indian Reservation in South Dakota, where members of the American Indian Movement (AIM) seized the site of the Wounded Knee Massacre of 1890. This event highlighted ongoing grievances about treaty rights, governmental policies, and the historical injustices faced by Native Americans, becoming a significant moment in the broader struggle for Native American rights and identity.

5 Must Know Facts For Your Next Test

1. The occupation began on February 27, 1973, and involved around 200 AIM activists who took control of Wounded Knee to protest against the U.S. government's treatment of Native Americans.
2. During the standoff, the FBI surrounded the site, leading to tense negotiations and confrontations that resulted in injuries on both sides.
3. The occupation brought national media attention to the issues faced by Native Americans and highlighted ongoing injustices related to broken treaties and poverty.
4. AIM leaders aimed to draw attention to issues like self-determination, land rights, and federal recognition for tribes, which were crucial to the movement's goals.
5. The event is often seen as a turning point in the Native American rights movement, inspiring future activism and raising awareness about indigenous issues.

Review Questions

• How did the Wounded Knee Occupation reflect the broader struggles of Native Americans during the 1970s?
  • The Wounded Knee Occupation was a direct response to systemic injustices faced by Native Americans, including broken treaties and lack of federal support. It showcased the frustrations of activists who were fighting for recognition and rights. This event highlighted not only historical grievances but also contemporary issues like poverty and political representation that continued to impact Native American communities.
• Analyze the impact of media coverage on public perception of the Wounded Knee Occupation and the American Indian Movement.
  • Media coverage played a critical role in shaping public perception during the Wounded Knee Occupation. As national news outlets reported on the standoff, it brought widespread attention to the issues facing Native Americans, influencing public sympathy towards their struggles. The dramatic nature of the occupation helped galvanize support for AIM's goals, raising awareness about their demands for rights and self-determination.
• Evaluate how the Wounded Knee Occupation serves as a pivotal moment in the history of Native American activism and its implications for future movements.
  • The Wounded Knee Occupation is seen as a pivotal moment because it galvanized Native American activism, inspiring subsequent movements advocating for indigenous rights. It signified a shift towards more direct action and protest strategies among Native Americans. The legacy of this event continues to influence contemporary movements as activists build upon its lessons regarding sovereignty, self-determination, and visibility in national discussions about race and justice.

Related terms

American Indian Movement (AIM):

A civil rights organization founded in 1968 that sought to address issues of sovereignty, treaty rights, and social justice for Native Americans.

Wounded Knee Massacre:

An 1890 tragic event where U.S. troops killed hundreds of Lakota Sioux, which has become a symbol of Native American suffering and resistance.

Self-determination: The concept that communities should have the right to govern themselves and make decisions about their own political, economic, and cultural futures.