Introduction to Wounded Knee: A Historical Overview

Wounded Knee, a hamlet and creek located on the Pine Ridge Indian Reservation in southwestern South Dakota, is a place steeped in both tragedy and resilience. Historically, Wounded Knee has been the site of two significant conflicts between Native Americans and representatives of the U.S. government. The first, known as the Battle of Wounded Knee, occurred on December 29, 1890, resulting in a massacre of more than 200 Sioux men, women, and children. The second conflict, in 1973, saw members of the American Indian Movement (AIM) seize the reservation hamlet in a bid for tribal rights and recognition.

The 1890 Wounded Knee Massacre

The 1890 Battle of Wounded Knee marked the conclusion of the U.S. government's conquest of the North American Indian. During this period, the Teton Sioux, facing starvation due to significant reductions in their reservation size in the late 1880s, turned to a Paiute prophet named Wovoka for hope. Wovoka, known as the Ghost Dance prophet, promised the disappearance of white men and a return of native lands and buffalo if certain rites and dances were performed. These dances, known as the Ghost Dance, prompted alarm among white settlers and led to federal military intervention.

Chief Sitting Bull, who had welcomed the Ghost Dancers, was killed by reservation police on December 14, 1890. A few hundred Sioux then left their reservation at Pine Ridge, seeking to hide in the Badlands. They were technically classified as hostiles because they had left the reservation. Chief Big Foot, also known as Spotted Elk, was nearing the end of his life due to pneumonia and was surrounded by the 7th Cavalry on December 28. Despite surrendering quietly, the remaining Sioux were surrounded and some were disarmed. A scuffle over a new rifle resulted in a soldier's fall, prompting the 7th Cavalry to open fire. This tragic event, known as the Battle of Wounded Knee, resulted in the deaths of 144 Sioux, including 44 women and 16 children, buried in a mass grave the following spring.

While the exact number of Sioux who died is unknown, it is clear that the 1890 Battle of Wounded Knee had a profound and lasting impact on Native American communities and the United States as a whole.

The 1973 Occupation of Wounded Knee by AIM

Fast-forward to 1973, AIM, an organization that sought to empower Native Americans and improve their living conditions, seized upon the commemoration of the 1890 Wounded Knee Massacre. On February 27, 1973, around 200 members of AIM, led by Russell Means and Dennis Banks, occupied the reservation hamlet of Wounded Knee and declared it the 'Independent Oglala Sioux Nation.'

With federal marshals immediately surrounding the area, a siege ensued. The occupation aimed to draw attention to issues such as the need for a change in tribal leadership, a review of all Indian treaties, and a U.S. Senate investigation into the treatment of Native Americans. The occupation lasted until May 8, when the Indians surrendered their arms and evacuated Wounded Knee in exchange for a promise of negotiations on Indian grievances. Tragically, two Native Americans and one federal marshal were killed during the siege, which alternated between negotiation and gunfire.

Legacy and Impact

The occupation of Wounded Knee in 1973 marked a significant moment in Native American history and the broader struggle for indigenous rights. It brought national attention to issues affecting Native American communities and revealed the ongoing trauma and challenges faced by Indigenous people.

Furthermore, the 1973 occupation of Wounded Knee is a powerful symbol of Native American resistance and resilience. It remains a focal point for discussions about treaty rights, land rights, and the mistreatment of Native Americans by the United States government. The legacy of this event continues to inform contemporary discussions and movements related to Indigenous rights and self-determination.

Conclusion

The 1973 occupation of Wounded Knee was a pivotal event in the history of Native American strife and resilience. It followed on the heels of the tragic 1890 Wounded Knee Massacre and served as a stark reminder of the ongoing struggles and injustices faced by Native American communities. By examining the historical context of Wounded Knee, this article aims to shed light on the enduring impact of these events and their relevance to contemporary discussions about Indigenous rights and self-determination.