Carter Camp, a name synonymous with Native American activism and unwavering dedication to indigenous rights, passed away on December 27, 2013, after a year-long struggle with cancer, leaving behind a legacy that continues to inspire and resonate within the American Indian Movement (AIM) and beyond. Born Carter Augustus Camp on August 18, 1941, in Pawnee, Oklahoma, to Woodrow Camp and Jewell McDonald, he was a member of the Ponca Tribe and a pivotal figure in shaping the landscape of Native American advocacy in the latter half of the 20th century.
Camp’s life was a tapestry woven with threads of profound cultural awareness, courageous defiance against injustice, and an unwavering commitment to the sovereignty and self-determination of Native American nations. His journey from a young boy sent to a government-run Indian boarding school to a leading voice in AIM reflects a transformation fueled by a deep understanding of the historical and ongoing struggles faced by indigenous communities.
The early years of Carter Camp were marked by the assimilationist policies of the U.S. government, which sought to eradicate Native American culture and identity through the boarding school system. He attended Haskell Institute, now known as Haskell Indian Nations University, in Lawrence, Kansas, graduating in 1959. While the intent of these institutions was to strip Native American children of their heritage, Camp’s experience, like that of many others, ultimately solidified his resolve to protect and preserve his culture.
Following his graduation, Camp served as a corporal in the U.S. Army from 1960 to 1963, stationed in Berlin during a period of intense geopolitical tension. After his discharge, he resided in Los Angeles, working as an electrician in a factory and becoming a shop steward for his union, demonstrating an early commitment to workers’ rights and collective action. He married Linda Carson and together they raised six children: Kenny, Jeremy, Victorio, Mazhonaposhe, Ahmbaska, and Augustus.
The late 1960s witnessed the rise of the American Indian Movement, a powerful force for change that sought to address the systemic issues of poverty, discrimination, and treaty violations faced by Native Americans. Carter Camp joined AIM in 1968, becoming a driving force in establishing the organization’s first chapters in Kansas and Oklahoma. His organizational skills, passion, and unwavering commitment quickly propelled him to the forefront of the movement.
One of Camp’s most significant contributions was his role in organizing the 1972 Trail of Broken Treaties, a cross-country caravan that brought Native American activists to Washington, D.C., to protest the U.S. government’s failure to uphold its treaty obligations. Camp, along with Hank Adams, then president of the National Coalition of Churches, drafted the Twenty Points document during the caravan, a comprehensive list of demands presented to the federal government. These demands included the restoration of treaty-making authority, the abolition of the Bureau of Indian Affairs (BIA), and the protection of Native American religious freedom and cultural practices.
Upon reaching Washington, D.C., the activists occupied the BIA headquarters, a bold and symbolic act of defiance that brought national attention to the plight of Native Americans. The occupation lasted for several days and resulted in significant damage to the building, but it also forced the government to acknowledge the legitimacy of the activists’ concerns. Carter Camp played a crucial role in negotiating with government officials and ensuring the safety of the protesters.
The following year, in 1973, Camp was instrumental in organizing the occupation of Wounded Knee on the Pine Ridge Indian Reservation in South Dakota. Wounded Knee, the site of the infamous 1890 massacre of Lakota people by the U.S. Army, became a symbol of Native American suffering and resistance. The 1973 occupation was sparked by widespread dissatisfaction with the tribal government and the federal government’s policies towards the Lakota people.
Camp led the initial group of AIM members into Wounded Knee, seizing the trading post, cutting phone lines, forcing BIA staff to leave, and taking hostages. The occupation lasted for 71 days, during which time the activists faced constant harassment and violence from federal law enforcement officials. Camp, along with Dennis Banks and Russell Means, served as the primary organizers and spokespersons for the occupation, articulating the demands of the protesters and negotiating with government representatives.
The Wounded Knee occupation was a watershed moment in the history of the American Indian Movement. It brought international attention to the struggles of Native Americans and inspired a new generation of activists. However, it also had significant consequences for those involved. Carter Camp was charged and convicted of abducting, confining, and beating four postal inspectors, charges disputed by his sister, Casey Camp-Horinek. He served three years in prison for his actions.
Despite the challenges and setbacks he faced, Camp remained committed to the cause of Native American rights. After his release from prison, he continued to be involved in activism, participating in and organizing events such as the annual sun dance at the Rosebud Indian Reservation alongside Leonard Crow Dog, a fellow Wounded Knee occupier. He also protested against a Lewis and Clark expedition re-enactment and a motorcycle bar near his Oklahoma reservation, demonstrating his unwavering commitment to protecting Native American culture and sacred sites.
In his later years, Camp became increasingly involved in environmental activism, recognizing the importance of protecting Native American lands and resources from exploitation. He organized opposition to the construction of the Keystone Pipeline, an oil pipeline designed to transport crude oil from the Canadian Sedimentary Basin in Alberta to refineries in Illinois and Texas. Camp argued that the pipeline posed a significant threat to Native American water sources, sacred sites, and cultural heritage. He also opposed the siting of hazardous waste dumps on Native American lands, advocating for environmental justice and the protection of indigenous communities from pollution and environmental degradation.
Carter Camp’s passing marked the end of an era for the American Indian Movement, but his legacy continues to inspire and empower Native American activists and communities around the world. His unwavering commitment to justice, his courageous defiance against oppression, and his profound understanding of Native American history and culture made him a true leader and a role model for generations to come. His work continues to resonate within the ongoing struggles for Native American sovereignty, self-determination, and the protection of indigenous rights. His name remains a symbol of resistance, resilience, and the enduring spirit of the Native American people. He is survived by his brothers Craig Camp and Dwain Camp, his sister Casey Camp-Horinek, his children, and countless others who were inspired by his life and work. His impact on the American Indian Movement and the broader struggle for social justice will not be forgotten.