Indigenous Peoples & Civil Rights American Indian Movement (A.I.M) “Red Power” Movement

Something to consider before you start this lesson……. Native Americans are citizens of their tribal nations as well as the United States. Tribal nations are characterized under U.S. law as "domestic dependent nations," a special relationship that creates tension between rights retained via tribal sovereignty and rights that individual Natives obtained as U.S. citizens.

Origins of Movement 1924: Native Americans granted U.S. citizenship Basic human rights (especially in cultural expression, travel & religion) were still denied to indigenous people Indian reservations were administered by Christian denominations which were allowed to forcibly convert Indians to Christianity. Native Americans could be fined and imprisoned for practicing certain traditional religious beliefs WWII: U.S. gov needed more soldiers so Congress reaffirmed Native people’s citizenship with the Nationality Act of 1940. Still not allowed to vote Face painting, religious dances and use of drugs (peyote) during ceremonies were punishable crimes

Do you want to read more about the historical background of Native American/U.S. government tensions? “Yes, Ms. Bruggeman! This is interesting stuff that I’ve never learned before. Plus, I’m bored while you are on strike.” Read this: http://nativeamericannetroots.net/diary/2063 “No, Ms. Bruggeman! I have too much work to do.” Ok, move on……

Origins: Indian Termination Policy 1950’s-mid 1960’s (mostly under Eisenhower) series of laws aimed at assimilating Native Americans into mainstream American society How was this different than previous policies of assimilation??? Now, with or without consent, tribes must be terminated and begin to live "as Americans” Ended the U.S. government's recognition of independence of tribes; Native Americans were to become taxpaying citizens, subject to state/federal taxes and laws (previously exempt) Also encouraged Natives to relocate from reservations to urban areas for greater employment opportunities (Indian Relocation Act of 1956) Government issued uranium mining contracts for the reservations (necessary for arms race  seen as “economic progress”)

Origins of Movement: 1960’s Civil Rights gained momentum under President Johnson 1968: Johnson signed Executive Order 11399, establishing the National Council on Indian Opportunity (NCIO). "the time has come to focus our efforts on the plight of the American Indian” Huge shift! Native lands regained federal recognition! This opened the door to demand more civil rights; and thus, the American Indian Movement (AIM) was born.

Goals of the Movement AIM’s published list of demands: Restore treaty-making rights & treaty-breaking punishments Provide opportunities for Indian leaders to address Congress directly Restore 110 million acres of land taken away by the U.S. Gov Provide Federal protection for offenses against Indians Ensure immunity of Native Nations from state commerce regulation, taxes, and trade restrictions Protect Indian religious freedom and cultural integrity Establish national Indian voting with local options Create health, housing, employment and education

National Indian Education Association Only national nonprofit exclusive to education issues for American Indian, Alaska Native, and Native Hawaiian people of the United States. Formed in 1969 to fight for equal education for Native Americans Brought attention to unequal schooling

Events/Protests of the Movement 1969: 90 Native Americans occupied Alcatraz island Thanksgiving Day 1970: During ceremonies for the 350th anniversary of the Pilgrims' landing at Plymouth Rock, AIM seized the replica of the Mayflower 1971: Protesters occupied Mt. Rushmore 1972: activists marched across country on the "Trail of Broken Treaties" 1973: 250 Sioux protestors occupied Wounded Knee for 71 days to bring attention to unsafe living conditions and generations of mistreatment from federal and local agencies 1978: “The Longest Walk” - cross-country journey to educate people about the continued threat to Tribal Sovereignty Relied heavily on media attention during protests

Occupation of Mt. Rushmore The land was owned by the Sioux reservation until Federal Government seized it in 1877 after gold was discovered

“Trail of Broken Treaties” 1971 march to Washington D.C. of ~10,000 Native Americans Ended with the occupation of the office of Bureau of Indian Affairs Protesters caused $2M in damages, but gained nation-wide attention for their cause

The protest at Wounded Knee was considered one of AIM’s biggest accomplishments

“The Longest Walk” Began on February 11, 1978 when a sacred pipe was loaded with tobacco in San Francisco The pipe was carried the entire distance… 3,200 miles! Arrived in D.C. on July 15, 1978 where the pipe was smoked in front of the Washington Monument. Thousands of Natives from the U.S. and Canada participated.

Achievements of the Movement International Indian Treaty Council (1974): Works with the UN to bring awareness about issues concerning Indigenous Peoples American Indian Religious Freedom Act (1978): Preserved freedom of traditional religious rights and cultural practices of American Indians, Eskimos, and Native Hawaiians (included access to sacred sites, freedom to worship through ceremony and use of objects considered sacred) American Indian Opportunities Center (1979): job training & education in industrial jobs Overall, the AIM won the protection of native nations (guaranteed in treaties), sovereignty, & self- determination

REVIEW Watch this clip! https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=wv4Pp-SQ-A8

Discuss Can you think of any modern examples of restrictions placed on Indigenous Peoples? Does this mean the A.I.M. was not a success? Explain!