An American Indian Revolution: The American Indian Movement and the Occupation of Wounded Knee, SD, 1973

Abstract

The intent of this thesis is to develop a picture of the culminating event of the American Indian Movement's (AIM) occupation of Wounded Knee, in 1973. There are also a few questions that can hopefully be answered utilizing the data presented in both primary and secondary sources. How did the Wounded Knee action contribute to the demise of AIM? Also, how did the media impact the Wounded Knee Occupation? This incident had many effects on the image of American Indians that were both positive and negative. Examining the U.S. government standpoint and the American Indian position develops a structure that can compare and contrast the two points of view in order to increase an understanding of this conflict. There were many parties involved on both sides of the barricades that played a role in the interactions and the outcomes of the event. The United States government had many agencies involved, including the Federal Bureau of Investigation, the Bureau of Indian Affairs, U.S. Marshals, and the Justice Department. The American Indians also had several groups and organizations involved; the larger two groups were the American Indian Movement and the Oglala Sioux who lived on the Pine Ridge Reservation. American Indians also had groups in opposition of the occupation, in particular the supporters of the tribal government under the tribal chairmanship of Richard"Dick" Wilson. Understanding the focus of all parties involved will give the greatest depiction of the attitudes and mindsets of the individuals, and the event in its entirety.