Notes on the American Experience Lecture: The Wounded Knee Occupation
Overview
The Wounded Knee occupation represents a pivotal moment in Native American history.
It highlights themes of hope, courage, survival, and the fight for dignity against oppression.
Context
The story spans 300 years of American history and focuses on the struggles of Native tribes.
Native Americans faced cultural obliteration and systemic oppression since European arrival.
By the 1970s, Native Americans felt invisible in society, leading to increased frustration and anger.
Events Leading to Wounded Knee
In February 1973, 200 Native Americans, including members of the American Indian Movement (AIM), marched to Wounded Knee, South Dakota, the site of the last massacre of the Indian Wars.
The group aimed to bring attention to corruption and demand change regarding broken treaties and tribal governance.
Traditional leaders sought to remove tribal chairman Dick Wilson, who was accused of corruption and intimidation.
The Siege of Wounded Knee
The occupation lasted 71 days, during which protesters held federal agents at gunpoint.
The U.S. government responded with significant military presence, surrounding the area with armed personnel and armored vehicles.
Media coverage was extensive, bringing national attention to the plight of Native Americans.
The protesters demanded investigations into corruption and Senate hearings on treaty violations.
Key Incidents
The standoff began after protesters seized control of the town, taking hostages and blocking access.
Negotiations were complicated by the government’s refusal to remove Dick Wilson and the demand to uphold treaty rights.
Tensions escalated, resulting in gunfire exchanges between protesters and federal agents, leading to casualties.
The death of Buddy Lamont, a protester, intensified calls to end the siege and highlighted the stakes involved.
Final Days of the Siege
On May 8, 1973, the siege concluded after negotiations failed; AIM leaders agreed to disarm.
The agreement with the government was fragile, focused on the investigation of tribal corruption.
There were accusations of government infiltration within the AIM ranks, contributing to distrust.
Aftermath
The aftermath of Wounded Knee saw a rise in violence and reprisals against AIM supporters on the Pine Ridge Reservation.
The occupation became a turning point, raising national awareness about Native American issues and cultural identity.
Despite the violence that followed, Wounded Knee inspired increased activism and the revitalization of Native cultures and traditions.
Significance
The events at Wounded Knee demonstrated the ongoing struggle of Native Americans against systemic oppression.
They spurred a renewed sense of identity and political activism among Native Americans, emphasizing the importance of cultural preservation.
The legacy of Wounded Knee continues to influence Native activism today, reminding future generations of the necessity of cultural survival and political engagement.