Edgar Bear Runner, an Oglala Lakota born on May 28, 1951, in Porcupine, South Dakota, is a figure deeply intertwined with the tumultuous history of the Pine Ridge Indian Reservation during the latter half of the 20th century. Born to Winnifred "Winni" Alice Janis and Oscar Bear Runner, his life has been marked by activism, advocacy, and a staunch commitment to the rights and sovereignty of the Lakota people. The life of Edgar Bear Runner provides insight into a critical period in Native American history.
The early 1970s were a period of intense upheaval for the Oglala Lakota, punctuated by the Wounded Knee Occupation of 1973 and the subsequent period often referred to as the "Reign of Terror" on the Pine Ridge Reservation. The American Indian Movement (AIM) played a significant role during this time, and Edgar Bear Runner was among those who viewed the organization as a source of support and security.
Bear Runner, then in his early twenties, articulated the sentiment prevalent within the community at the time: "Our elders, our parents and grandparents in our community had called on this family, known to us as the American Indian Movement. The American Indian Movement was invited by the traditional community from the Pine Ridge Indian Reservation to provide aid, to provide a sense of security for people who felt that the law had abandoned them."
He further elaborated on the positive impact AIM had on the community’s morale and cultural identity: "People felt a sense of security when the American Indian Movement arrived on the Pine Ridge Indian Reservation. There was not only a sense of security, there was also a sense of Lakota-ism. There was a sense of aspiration of pride, of being who we really are. After all, it’s beautiful to be Lakota. These were the feelings among the young people." This statement highlights the revitalization of Lakota pride and cultural awareness that AIM’s presence fostered, particularly among the younger generation.
However, this period was also fraught with violence and conflict. In November 1975, just two years after the Wounded Knee Occupation, Edgar Bear Runner became the target of a violent attack. He was assaulted at the Sioux Nation Supermarket by Manny Wilson, the son of Richard Wilson, the controversial tribal chairman of the Pine Ridge Indian Reservation, and two other individuals associated with the "GOONs" (Guardians of the Oglala Nation), a group accused of being a private paramilitary force loyal to Richard Wilson. The assailants fled the scene after the store manager contacted the police.
This attack was indicative of the deep divisions and political tensions that plagued the Pine Ridge Reservation during this era, with accusations of corruption and intimidation leveled against the tribal government and its supporters.
Edgar Bear Runner’s involvement in activism led to his entanglement with the legal system. He was named as a defendant in two separate court cases: South Dakota vs. Edgar Bear Runner and Ted Means, and Nebraska vs. Edgar Bear Runner and Leon Adams, both occurring in March 1976. The specific details of these cases remain somewhat obscure, but they underscore the legal challenges faced by Native American activists during this period.
Prior to these cases, Bear Runner had been arrested for "rioting to obstruct justice" following his participation in protests that occurred in Custer, South Dakota, on February 6, 1973. These protests were sparked by the lenient charges brought against the man accused of murdering Wesley Bad Heart Bull, a Lakota man. The anger and frustration surrounding this case boiled over, leading to a confrontation with law enforcement.
In the PBS documentary, We Shall Remain, Edgar Bear Runner recounted his involvement in the Custer protests. His words, though controversial, provide a raw and unfiltered glimpse into the intensity of the emotions that fueled the demonstrations. He described the confrontation with law enforcement and the subsequent acts of vandalism, including the making of Molotov cocktails and the setting of fires. While these actions were clearly illegal, they were born out of a deep sense of injustice and a perceived lack of accountability for crimes committed against Native Americans. Despite his initial admission, Bear Runner was later acquitted by a jury, suggesting that the legal system, in this instance, recognized the context and motivations behind his actions.
Beyond his direct involvement in protests and legal battles, Edgar Bear Runner also sought legal recourse through the courts to address broader issues of government misconduct. He was one of several plaintiffs who filed a lawsuit alleging that the deployment and utilization of Army and Air Force personnel for law-enforcement purposes constituted an illegal conspiracy. The case, Bissonette v. Haig (1986), argued that the government had overstepped its authority in its response to the unrest on the Pine Ridge Reservation. However, the United States Court of Appeals for the Eighth Circuit ultimately dismissed the case, citing the doctrine of qualified immunity, which protects government officials from liability unless their conduct violates clearly established statutory or constitutional rights.
Despite the setbacks and challenges he has faced, Edgar Bear Runner has remained dedicated to honoring the memory of those who have made sacrifices for the Lakota people. He has organized memorials and erected headstones for Anna Mae Pictou Aquash, an AIM activist whose murder remains unsolved, and Joseph "Killsright" Bedell Stuntz, who died during the Wounded Knee Occupation. These acts of remembrance serve as a testament to his commitment to preserving the history and legacy of the Lakota struggle for self-determination.
Bear Runner has also been a vocal advocate for the return of the Black Hills to the Lakota people. In 1980, the U.S. Supreme Court ruled that the government had illegally seized the Black Hills in violation of the 1868 Treaty of Fort Laramie. The Court awarded the Lakota a monetary settlement, but the tribe has consistently refused to accept the money, demanding instead the return of their ancestral lands. As a tribal historic preservation officer, Bear Runner has been a strong voice in this ongoing struggle, stating, "We will never accept the money. We’re the poorest of the poor tribes. But we will never accept that money. We want our land back."
Furthermore, Edgar Bear Runner has been a steadfast supporter of Leonard Peltier, an AIM activist convicted of killing two FBI agents during a shootout on the Pine Ridge Reservation in 1975. Peltier’s case has become a cause célèbre for human rights activists, who argue that he was wrongly convicted and that his trial was marred by prosecutorial misconduct. Bear Runner has consistently maintained Peltier’s innocence, issuing statements at rallies and providing testimony at Peltier’s extradition hearing in British Columbia. He has accused the FBI of engaging in acts of aggression, governmental misconduct, and fabrication of evidence in their pursuit of Peltier.
In 1999, when then-President Bill Clinton visited the Pine Ridge Indian Reservation, Bear Runner held up a sign urging the president to grant clemency to Peltier. This act of defiance underscored his unwavering commitment to seeking justice for Peltier and highlighting the ongoing issues of oppression and injustice faced by Native Americans.
In addition to his activism and advocacy, Edgar Bear Runner has also contributed to the preservation of Lakota culture through his participation in film. He portrayed the character of "Reasonable Man" in the 1994 film, Lakota Woman: Siege at Wounded Knee, a dramatization of the 1973 occupation. This role allowed him to share the Lakota perspective on this pivotal event with a wider audience and to contribute to a more nuanced understanding of the historical context.
Edgar Bear Runner’s life story is a testament to the resilience and determination of the Lakota people in the face of adversity. His activism, advocacy, and commitment to preserving Lakota culture have made him a significant figure in the ongoing struggle for Native American rights and sovereignty. His experiences provide a valuable perspective on the complex and often painful history of the Pine Ridge Indian Reservation.