The American Indian Movement, often referred to by its acronym AIM, stands as a significant force in the history of Indigenous American activism. Emerging in 1968, it quickly rose to prominence as one of the most recognized "Indian Power" groups. Founded by Dennis Banks and George Mitchell, both members of the Chippewa tribe, AIM was born from a need to address the pressing issues of poverty, unemployment, and police brutality faced by Native American communities.
From its inception, the American Indian Movement sought to challenge the systemic inequalities that plagued Indigenous populations. The movement’s early focus centered on urban areas, where many Native Americans had migrated due to federal policies aimed at assimilation. These urban communities often faced unique challenges, including discrimination, lack of access to resources, and a disconnect from their cultural heritage.
The organization’s initial goals were ambitious yet essential: to combat poverty and unemployment, to address inadequate housing, and to challenge the pervasive racism that permeated American society. AIM distinguished itself through its direct-action approach, a strategy that would soon capture national and international attention.
Early Actions and National Visibility
The American Indian Movement catapulted onto the world stage with two pivotal events: the seizure of the Bureau of Indian Affairs (BIA) headquarters in Washington, D.C., in 1972, and the 1973 standoff at Wounded Knee, South Dakota, on the Pine Ridge Indian Reservation. These events were not spontaneous outbursts but carefully planned actions designed to amplify Indigenous voices and grievances.
The "Trail of Broken Treaties" in the fall of 1972 saw AIM lead a caravan of urban Indians and traditionalists to the nation’s capital. The protestors occupied the BIA headquarters for a week, using the occupation to highlight the federal government’s failure to uphold treaty obligations and promises made to Native American tribes. The occupation resulted in millions of dollars in damage but also brought national attention to the issues plaguing Indigenous communities. During this occupation, AIM developed a 20-point list summarizing its issues with federal treaties and promises, which they publicized during their occupation in 1972.
The following spring, in 1973, approximately 200 AIM members and supporters occupied the town of Wounded Knee, the site of the infamous 1890 massacre of nearly 300 Sioux people by the U.S. Army. The occupation lasted for 71 days and served as a powerful symbol of resistance against historical and ongoing injustices. The activists demanded the return of lands taken from Indians in violation of treaty agreements, highlighting the federal government’s failure to honor its commitments.
Advocacy, Cultural Renewal, and Community Support
In the decades following its dramatic emergence, the American Indian Movement continued to be a powerful force for change. The group broadened its focus to advocate for Indigenous American interests across a range of issues, including treaty rights, land reclamation, and cultural preservation.
AIM’s impact extended beyond political activism. The movement played a crucial role in inspiring cultural renewal within Native American communities. By promoting traditional languages, ceremonies, and values, AIM helped to revitalize Indigenous identity and pride.
Furthermore, AIM actively monitored police activities and worked to address issues of police brutality against Native Americans. The organization also coordinated employment programs in both urban and rural reservation communities, striving to improve economic opportunities for Indigenous people.
Supporting Indigenous Interests Globally
The American Indian Movement‘s commitment to Indigenous rights transcended national borders. AIM frequently voiced support for Indigenous interests outside the United States, recognizing the shared struggles and experiences of Indigenous peoples worldwide. This international solidarity reflected a broader understanding of colonialism and its enduring impacts on Indigenous communities globally.
Internal Divisions and Factions
Despite its significant achievements, AIM has not been without its internal challenges. In 1993, the movement experienced a significant split, resulting in the formation of two distinct factions, each claiming to represent the authentic AIM tradition.
The AIM-Grand Governing Council (GGC), based in Minneapolis, Minnesota, is associated with the leadership of Clyde Bellecourt and his brother Vernon Bellecourt. The GGC typically adopts a more centralized and controlled political philosophy.
The AIM International Confederation of Autonomous Chapters, headquartered in Denver, Colorado, was founded by thirteen AIM chapters in 1993. This faction issued the "Edgewood Declaration," citing organizational grievances and criticizing the Bellecourts’ leadership style as authoritarian. The autonomous chapters emphasize a decentralized, grassroots approach, arguing that AIM has always been structured as a series of independent chapters accountable to their local communities. They reject the GGC’s assertions of central control as contrary to Indigenous political traditions and the original philosophy of AIM.
Russell Means attributed some of the internal dissension within AIM in the early 1990s to allegations against the Bellecourt brothers regarding their involvement in the execution of Anna Mae Aquash.
Key Protests and Actions
Throughout its history, AIM has organized and participated in numerous protests and actions to raise awareness about Indigenous issues. Some of the most notable examples include:
- Thanksgiving Day Protest (1970): During ceremonies commemorating the 350th anniversary of the Pilgrims’ landing at Plymouth Rock, AIM members seized the replica of the Mayflower in Boston as a symbolic act of protest.
- Occupation of Mount Rushmore (1971): AIM members occupied Mount Rushmore for several days, drawing attention to the fact that the presidential carvings were created in the Black Hills of South Dakota, a region long considered sacred to the Lakota people.
- Milwaukee Coast Guard Station Takeover (1971): Inspired by the 1969 Alcatraz occupation, Native American activists in Milwaukee took over an abandoned Coast Guard station along Lake Michigan. Citing the Treaty of Fort Laramie, they demanded that the federal property revert to the control of the Native peoples of Milwaukee. The activists retained possession of the land, establishing the first Indian Community School on the site until 1980.
- The Longest Walk (1978 and 2008): The 1978 Longest Walk was an AIM-led spiritual walk across the country to support tribal sovereignty and bring attention to anti-Indian legislation. Thirty years later, AIM led the Longest Walk 2, highlighting the need for protection of American Indian sacred sites, tribal sovereignty, environmental protection, and action to stop global warming.
- Wisconsin Walleye War (1989): AIM provided expertise in dealing with protesters during a conflict over Chippewa spear fishing rights in Wisconsin.
- Ward Valley Occupation (1998): AIM provided security at the Ward Valley Occupation in Southern California, which lasted for 113 days and resulted in a victory for the Colorado River Indian Tribes against the plan to use the area for the disposal of nuclear wastes.
Prominent AIM Activists
The American Indian Movement has been shaped by the dedication and leadership of numerous individuals. Some of the most prominent AIM activists include:
- Dennis Banks: A co-founder of AIM, Banks was a key figure in many of the movement’s major actions.
- George Mitchell: The other co-founder of AIM, Mitchell played a crucial role in the movement’s early development.
- Russell Means: One of the most recognizable faces of AIM, Means was a charismatic leader who advocated for Indigenous rights through activism, politics, acting, and music.
- Clyde Bellecourt: A co-founder of AIM, Bellecourt has remained active in the movement for decades.
- Vernon Bellecourt: Another long-time leader in AIM, Vernon Bellecourt was involved in numerous protests and actions.
- Leonard Peltier: A controversial figure, Peltier is a Native American activist and member of AIM who was convicted of murdering two FBI agents in 1977. His case has been the subject of considerable debate and controversy.
- Anna Mae Pictou Aquash: A prominent AIM member, Aquash was murdered in 1975. The circumstances surrounding her death have been a source of controversy and investigation for many years.
Legislative Achievements
The activism of AIM and other Indigenous rights groups has contributed to significant legislative achievements that have positively impacted Native American communities. These include:
- The Indian Education Act of 1972: This act gave Indian parents greater control over their children’s schools.
- The Indian Health Care Improvement Act of 1976: This act aimed to address deficiencies in Indian health care.
- The Indian Child Welfare Act of 1978: This act gave tribes control over custody decisions involving Indian children.
- The American Indian Religious Freedom Act of 1978: This act directed federal agencies to respect traditional Indian religions.
- The Indian Arts and Crafts Act of 1990: This act protects Native American craftsmen and women from the flood of counterfeit Native American arts & crafts passed off as authentic Indian arts.
The American Indian Movement has been a transformative force in the fight for Indigenous rights. Through its direct-action protests, advocacy efforts, and cultural revitalization initiatives, AIM has left an indelible mark on American history. While internal divisions and controversies have challenged the movement, its legacy as a champion of Indigenous sovereignty and self-determination remains significant.