27th February 1973: Occupation of Wounded knee by the Oglala Lakota and the American Indian Movement

Summary

On February 27, 1973, around 200 Oglala Lakota and members of the American Indian Movement (AIM) began a 71-day occupation of Wounded Knee, South Dakota. This protest arose from tensions over tribal leadership and demands for treaty negotiations with the U.S. government. The occupation drew law enforcement's attention, resulting in a standoff marked by both negotiations and violence, leading to deaths on both sides. While the siege ended on May 8, the tribal chairman remained in office, and violence continued in the region. Nonetheless, the event significantly raised awareness of Native American issues and struggles for civil rights.

Takeaways

• 📅 The occupation of Wounded Knee began on February 27, 1973, by approximately 200 Oglala Lakota and members of the American Indian Movement (AIM).
• 🏞️ Wounded Knee is located in one of the poorest communities in the United States, on the Pine Ridge Reservation.
• ⚖️ AIM was formed in 1968 to address social and political issues facing Native Americans and became a militant civil rights organization.
• 🔄 The occupation was a response to the failed impeachment of tribal chairman Richard Wilson due to allegations of corruption.
• 🔒 During the occupation, residents were taken hostage as demands were made for Wilson's removal and renewed treaty talks with the U.S. government.
• 🚨 The area was surrounded by law enforcement, including the U.S. Marshals, FBI, and National Guard, forming a 15-mile cordon.
• 💥 The standoff involved regular exchanges of gunfire, resulting in the deaths of two activists and the serious injury of a federal agent.
• 🕊️ The occupation ended on May 5, 1973, after negotiations, although Wilson remained in office.
• 🔍 Wounded Knee raised public awareness and sympathy for Native American issues during the 1970s.
• 📈 Despite the end of the occupation, violence continued on the Pine Ridge Reservation throughout the following decade.

Q & A

What event is the transcript discussing?

The transcript discusses the 71-day occupation of Wounded Knee by the Oglala Lakota and the American Indian Movement, which began on February 27, 1973.

What were the main reasons for the occupation of Wounded Knee?

The occupation aimed to remove tribal chairman Richard Wilson due to allegations of corruption and to revive treaty talks with the U.S. government.

What was the condition of the Oglala Lakota community at the time of the occupation?

The Oglala Lakota lived in one of the poorest communities in the United States, on the Pine Ridge Reservation.

What role did the American Indian Movement (AIM) play in this event?

AIM was called upon to assist in the occupation after the local civil rights organization failed to impeach Wilson.

How did law enforcement respond to the occupation?

Law enforcement, including the police, U.S. Marshals, FBI agents, and the National Guard, surrounded Wounded Knee, forming a 15-mile cordon.

What were the consequences of the occupation in terms of violence?

The occupation resulted in regular exchanges of gunfire, leading to the deaths of two activists and leaving a federal agent paralyzed.

What prompted tribal elders to seek an end to the occupation?

The death of tribe member Lawrence Buddy Lamont on April 26 led tribal elders to negotiate for an end to the occupation.

When did the occupation formally end?

The occupation formally ended on May 8, 1973, after negotiations and disarmament.

What was the outcome for Richard Wilson following the occupation?

Despite the occupation, Richard Wilson remained in office, and violence continued at Pine Ridge throughout the 1970s.

How did the occupation affect public perception of Native American issues?

The Wounded Knee occupation raised public sympathy for the plight of the Native population, highlighting their struggles.