The arrival of Christopher Columbus in 1492 marked a profound turning point in the history of the Americas, a moment often romanticized in mainstream narratives but viewed by many Indigenous peoples as the beginning of a devastating era. While popular history often portrays Columbus as a heroic explorer, this perspective disregards the immense suffering and injustice inflicted upon the Indigenous Red Nations and Peoples who had thrived on the continent for millennia. Upon landing, Columbus encountered communities known for their generosity and welcoming nature, traits that had long defined their interactions with others. However, these initial encounters soon turned violent, with Columbus and his crew engaging in acts of murder and enslavement, actions often glossed over or omitted entirely in traditional educational curricula.
The term "American Holocaust" encapsulates the scale and severity of the atrocities committed against Indigenous populations following European contact. It serves as a stark reminder of the systematic dispossession, forced assimilation, and outright extermination that decimated thriving cultures and societies. This historical reality stands in stark contrast to the celebratory narratives that often dominate discussions of Columbus and the early exploration of the Americas, narratives that often neglect or downplay the profound impact on Indigenous communities.
Prior to 1492, the land known as Great Turtle Island was home to an estimated 500 distinct Indigenous Red Nations, each with its own unique language, customs, and traditions. These nations exemplified a deep connection to the land, living in harmony with nature and practicing forms of governance rooted in democratic principles and community collaboration. For countless generations, these Indigenous peoples had cultivated sustainable ways of life, developing intricate systems of agriculture, resource management, and social organization that ensured the well-being of their communities and the preservation of the environment.
The arrival of European colonists, however, shattered this delicate balance, ushering in an era of unprecedented violence and upheaval. Driven by a thirst for land, resources, and power, European settlers embarked on a campaign of conquest and domination that resulted in the displacement, enslavement, and extermination of countless Indigenous peoples. The introduction of European diseases, to which Indigenous populations had no immunity, further exacerbated the devastation, leading to widespread epidemics that decimated entire communities.
The concept of the American Holocaust highlights the magnitude of loss suffered by Indigenous nations due to European colonization. This period witnessed not only the physical annihilation of many communities but also the systematic destruction of their cultural heritage, spiritual practices, and traditional ways of life. The forced removal of children from their families, the suppression of Indigenous languages, and the imposition of foreign religious and educational systems all contributed to the erosion of Indigenous identity and the disruption of intergenerational knowledge transmission.
As European settlers expanded westward across the continent, they encountered various Indigenous nations, often engaging in deceptive practices and broken treaties to seize land and resources. One such encounter involved the Nakota Nation, a people who inhabited the northern Great Plains, encompassing present-day Wyoming, Montana, North Dakota, South Dakota, Minnesota, Iowa, and Nebraska. The Nakota, also known as Dakota, DaNakota, and Lakota (though often mislabeled as "Sioux"), had a deep spiritual connection to the land and a rich cultural heritage that was threatened by the encroachment of European settlers.
The Lakota, one of the prominent groups within the Nakota Nation, faced particularly intense pressure from the U.S. government as it sought to establish its authority over the region. In 1890, as the U.S. government attempted to organize the "state of South Dakota" on Lakota treaty lands, tensions escalated, leading to a series of events that culminated in the tragic massacre at Wounded Knee.
Amidst growing unrest and resistance to government policies, the Lakota people began to participate in a spiritual movement known as the Ghost Dance, a ceremony that promised the return of their ancestors and the restoration of their traditional way of life. The U.S. government, fearing that the Ghost Dance would incite further rebellion, launched a campaign to suppress the movement, targeting key leaders and disrupting gatherings.
Tatanka Iyotake, also known as Sitting Bull, a respected spiritual leader and advocate for Lakota sovereignty, became a prime target of the government’s efforts. Despite his role as a Canunpa (sacred pipe) caretaker and facilitator of traditional ceremonies, government officials and the media falsely portrayed him as an instigator of the Ghost Dance, using this pretext to justify his arrest and removal.
On December 15, 1890, government agents stormed Sitting Bull’s home, forcibly removing him and ultimately shooting him in the back, an act that ignited outrage and further inflamed tensions between the Lakota people and the U.S. government. Following Sitting Bull’s assassination, his relative Big Foot led a group of mostly women, children, and elderly people in a desperate attempt to seek refuge at the Pine Ridge Agency, hoping to find protection from the U.S. Army.
However, their journey was tragically cut short when they were intercepted near present-day Porcupine, South Dakota. The group was disarmed, subjected to humiliating searches, and forced to march to Wounded Knee Creek, where they were surrounded by U.S. troops. On the morning of December 29, 1890, the U.S. Army unleashed a devastating attack on the unarmed Lakota encampment, opening fire with Hotchkiss machine guns and rifles.
The massacre at Wounded Knee resulted in the deaths of an estimated 453 Lakota men, women, and children, a horrific act of violence that shocked the nation and remains a symbol of the American Holocaust. Pregnant women were bayoneted, babies were flung into the air, and the wounded were left to die in the freezing cold. In the aftermath of the massacre, two dozen U.S. soldiers were awarded Medals of Honor for their participation in the slaughter, a stark reminder of the government’s complicity in the atrocities committed against Indigenous peoples.
The 1851 Treaty of Fort Laramie, the last legitimate treaty between the Lakota Nation and the U.S. government, guaranteed the Lakota people certain rights and protections over their ancestral lands. However, this treaty, protected by Article VI of the U.S. Constitution, has been repeatedly violated by the U.S. government and its citizens, resulting in the ongoing dispossession and marginalization of the Lakota people.
Even today, Lakota lands remain under U.S. occupation, with vast quantities of coal and gold extracted from their territories without proper compensation or consent. The Lakota people continue to suffer from high rates of poverty, unemployment, and health disparities, a direct consequence of the historical injustices and ongoing oppression they have endured.
The Nakota language, a vital component of their cultural identity, offers profound insights into their worldview and their relationship with the land. The word for water, "MiNi," translates to "My Life," reflecting the deep reverence and connection the Nakota people have for this essential element. Similarly, the term "Sunka Wakan," meaning "Mysterious Dog" or horse, provides evidence of the Nakota people’s long-standing presence on Great Turtle Island, challenging the Bering Strait theory and the notion that Indigenous peoples migrated from Asia.
The word "Wakan Yeja," meaning "Sacred Little One," is used to describe a baby or infant under seven years old, highlighting the Nakota people’s reverence for newborns and their belief in the inherent sacredness of life. Before the arrival of Columbus, the concept of greed was foreign to Indigenous cultures, who practiced sharing and generosity as fundamental principles. The Nakota word "Wasin Icuna," meaning "Takes the Fat," is used to describe greedy individuals who prioritize their own self-interest over the well-being of the community.
The Nakota language and culture offer a powerful counter-narrative to the dominant historical narratives that have often marginalized and misrepresented Indigenous peoples. By preserving and promoting their language, traditions, and values, the Nakota people are reclaiming their identity and challenging the legacy of colonialism and oppression.
The concept of reconciliation, often invoked in discussions of Indigenous-U.S. relations, is viewed with skepticism by many Indigenous peoples, who argue that true reconciliation requires genuine accountability, restitution, and systemic change. The Nakota language does not even contain a word for "sorry," emphasizing the importance of taking responsibility for one’s actions and making amends for the harm caused.
For the Lakota Nation, true justice requires the return of stolen gold from the Black Hills, reparations for the theft of coal from their treaty lands, and an end to the ongoing violations of their sovereignty and cultural heritage. Until these demands are met, any talk of reconciliation remains hollow and meaningless. The American Holocaust cannot be forgotten or glossed over; it demands recognition, accountability, and a commitment to building a more just and equitable future for all.
It is crucial for the United States to acknowledge the American Holocaust and take concrete steps to address the historical injustices and ongoing oppression faced by Indigenous nations. This includes halting all atrocities against Indigenous peoples, providing reparations for stolen lands and resources, and respecting their inherent right to self-determination. Only then can the possibility of genuine reconciliation be considered.
The story of the American Holocaust is a story of resilience, resistance, and the enduring spirit of Indigenous peoples. Despite the immense challenges they have faced, Indigenous communities have persevered, maintaining their cultural traditions, advocating for their rights, and working towards a future where their voices are heard and their sovereignty is respected.