American Indian Movement

Early History

            The history of the American Indian Movement (AIM) goes back hundreds of years.  The current leaders themselves acknowledge that the documented history of the movement goes back to the late 1700’s, when people like Tecumscuata and Tecumseh organized tribes against the white invasion.  While the actual formation of a formal group was not until the 1968 in Minneapolis, Minnesota, the spirit of the movement still held true throughout the years. 

When the group was formed in 1968 the group’s only objective was to monitor police brutality that was allegedly taking place.  In the early days of the movement the AIM used CB’s and other techniques to get to a scene before police could arrive.  The movement was focused on capturing, on film, the police brutality that had been plaguing the Native Americans of Minneapolis for years prior.

The success of this local movement spawned an idea to move their focus nationally as well.  The AIM set their eyes on the corruption that was happening on the federal Capitol Hill.  They grew tired of the bureau that was supposed to be representing them, full of corruption.  This bureau was of course the Bureau of Indian Affairs, which is part of the Bureau of Internal Affairs.  In the year 1972 protests were a commonplace, but most of them were non-violent.  This would prove not to be the case for the AIM.  This would also prove to be a move forward to the international stage.

Years of Controversy

            The AIM forcefully rushed the BIA and proceeded to take over.  Their claim was that the BIA no longer accurately represented any group of Native Americans.  They claimed corruption had taken over the BIA, so they were there to take it back.  This subsequently led to the arrest of 24 people, but put them in the international spotlight.  All of the 24 that were arrested were released and cleared on the basis of the right to protest. 

            The very next year would lead to a very different end though.  In 1973 the Pine Ridge Indian Reservation was involved in a debate over some land that was close to the sight of Wounded Knee.  The Pine Ridge Reservation asked for the assistance of the AIM to protest this illegal seizure that the government was attempting.  The AIM arranged a sit-in protest to last as long as it took for the Federal Government Officials to back off the land.  The sit-in lasted for seventy-one days.  Nerves on both sides of the protest were reaching their ends.  There were rumors of hostages that the Indians were holding, so at this point, the situation got critical.  The story and evidence insinuates that the Federal Agents acted violently toward the Indians that were protesting.  This led to a gunfight that resulted in the death of two Federal Agents.  After everything was settled down and the protesters that were involved in the gun battle, arrested, only one man served time.  The only reason for this was due to the fact that one of the agents had been shot at close range, through his arm that was trying to defend himself while he was on the ground.  The rest of the Natives involved were released because it was ruled that the Federal Agents used excessive force.

Current Issues

            The movement has moved to a policy of complete non-violence.  Their voice has been more focused on legislation and working within the legal system to achieve their goals.  Their claim is that they are first and foremost a spiritual movement.  The claim rejuvenation of the old ways of spiritual living is one that is offered as the center of the movement today.

            Their most talked about work is their movement against professional teams such as the Cleveland Indians, and Washington Redskins.  They have organized protest at games and World Series matches.  Their protest of these mascots has been widely debated, and is, unfortunately, what they are best known for in popular media. 

            While their debates still rage on over legal issues the AIM has always been the close friend of the Native American.  They have always tried to fight for the rights of the Native people of America and raise questions where there have been none rose in the past.