Native American Activism and Civil Rights

Treaty Rights and Indigenous Culture

  • Makah Nation: Located in the Seattle area, they fought for and won treaty rights to harvest whales, an integral part of their indigenous culture.
  • Controversy: This decision was met with significant controversy at the time.

AIM's Response to Cultural Stripping:

  • Indian Schools and Dawes Act: These institutions intentionally worked to strip Native Americans of their language, culture, and religions.
  • AIM's Stance: AIM directly opposed these actions, demanding they cease.
  • 20 Propositions: AIM developed 20 propositions, reflecting their demands and goals.

Influence of the Black Civil Rights Movement:

  • Similar Demands: AIM's propositions were very similar to those of the Black Panthers, illustrating the influence of the Black Civil Rights Movement.
  • Direct Action: AIM was strongly influenced by the Black Civil Rights Movement in their approach to direct action.
  • Humorous and Clever Tactics: AIM employed witty and clever direct action tactics to highlight the privileges of those in power and encourage reflection on institutional biases against Native Americans.

Alcatraz Occupation:

  • Claim by Right of Discovery: AIM members took a boat to Alcatraz Island and claimed it by right of discovery.
  • Challenging the Government: This action challenged the federal government's claims to the land and highlighted the hypocrisy of claiming land by right of discovery, similar to what Columbus did.
  • Indigenous People's Day: AIM's actions contributed to the establishment of Indigenous People's Day in place of Columbus Day.

Mayflower Occupation:

  • 350th Anniversary: On the 350th anniversary of the landing of the pilgrims at Plymouth Rock, AIM occupied the Mayflower.
  • Protest: AIM protested the celebration, stating it marked the beginning of the colonization of the New World and the end of Native American culture.
  • Raising Awareness: AIM aimed to raise awareness among those with agency about the impact of historical events on marginalized communities.

Mount Rushmore Occupation:

  • 1971 Occupation: AIM occupied Mount Rushmore in the Black Hills, land sacred to the Lakota Nation and ceded to them by treaty rights.
  • Crazy Horse Memorial: A large statue of Crazy Horse is being constructed behind the faces on Mount Rushmore.
  • Lakota Sculpture: A 40-foot tall sculpture called Lakota, made of glass and chrome, is located nearby.
  • Reinforcing Native Land Recognition: The occupation aimed to reinforce the idea that the land is Native land.

Wounded Knee Standoff:

  • Armed Resistance: Wounded Knee, South Dakota, was the site of the last major armed resistance by the Lakota Nation, involving a standoff with the FBI.
  • Inspiration: AIM's direct actions were inspired by the lunch counter sit-ins in Greensboro and Memphis, the Freedom Riders, and the Black Panthers.

Native American Wins and Achievements:

  • Pattern of Resistance: Native Americans achieved many wins through their resistance.
  • Privilege Awareness: These achievements are often overlooked due to the privilege of those not directly affected.

Indian Child Welfare Act:

  • Protecting Native Children: This act ensured that Native children could not be separated from their parents by the Bureau of Indian Affairs and placed with white families unless there was sufficient cause.
  • Cultural Preservation: The act aimed to prevent the alienation of Native children from their culture and communities.

American Indian Religious Freedom Act:

  • Religious Freedom: Enacted in 1978, this act aimed to protect and preserve Native American religious beliefs, ending forced conversions to Christianity.
  • Constitutional Rights: The act reinforced the constitutional right to religious freedom.

NAGPRA (Native American Graves Protection and Repatriation Act):

  • Protecting Burial Sites: NAGPRA addresses the plundering of Native American graveyards and artifacts by scientists in the late 19th century.
  • Repatriation: The act mandates the return of bones and artifacts to Native American nations for proper reburial or cremation.
  • Differing Views: NAGPRA highlights the difference between the treatment of ancient remains (e.g., Egyptian artifacts) and the remains of recently deceased Native Americans.

Kennewick Man:

  • Discovery: A 9,000-year-old skeleton was found near Kennewick, Washington, in the 1990s.
  • Forensic Analysis: Initial forensic analysis indicated the remains were ancient, not a recent murder victim.
  • Tribal Claims: Native American tribes in the Northwest claimed the remains for repatriation.
  • Dispute: Dr. Owsley from the University of Tennessee argued the remains showed evidence of murder and originated from Alaska and British Columbia, leading to disputes over repatriation.
  • Resolution: Eventually, the remains were returned to the Confederated Tribes of the Chinook, who performed a navy burial.

Connections and Inspiration:

  • African American Civil Rights: The Native American rights movement was inspired by and connected to the African American Civil Rights Movement.
  • Pattern of Rights: This is part of a broader pattern of rights movements and resistance.