American Indian Movement
Storyboard Text
- Slide: 1
- Grandpa, why are all these cameras here? Why are they asking about your childhood and what you've done for our people?
- They're asking because of the group I started for our people, you know we didn't always live like this. Before we used to experience a high amount of violence so we "formed an American Indian Movement Indian Patrol to cruise the streets.." (Kehoe 1989, 78). The police provided no security for us, instead they added onto the violence.
- Slide: 2
- So what was the reason for police not protecting us? Did they abandon us so that we can leave?
- For years the government had been an enemy to us, trying to take over our land, and rid any traces of our culture. We tried speaking with them, creating treaties to adhere to their methods, but it only accumulated into many broken treaties. "AIMs foundation was marked by ongoing grievances related to treaty violations and the marginalization of Native American cultures and sovereignty." (Kehoe 1989, 82)
- Slide: 3
- If there was so much pushback, then wouldn't our people have already fought back? What was different about AIM?
- Our people have fought back, many of the communities chiefs came into contact with the government, and spoke to them. However, conflicts like Wounded Knee Massacre remained heavy on our people's minds, as our numbers were already dwindling. AIM was meant for an organized front that was sure to call the nation's attention. By "..pushing for reforms in federal policies and greater awareness of the conditions on reservations." (Kehoe 1989, 86). We needed as much support as we could get. From my readings concerning social justice groups, by gauging the attention from the public, it pushed the government in their favor....
- Slide: 4
- Not only that, but we wanted to push for 'self-determination'. A concept that called for us to have complete control over our own affairs. Which is why we occupied Wounded Knee, to show that we wouldn't back down, even though they've hurt us in the past. However, many in our community saw self-determination as "..so Western'--'We want to work as communities, not for our 'self'." (Kehoe. 1989, 95). And thought we were abandoning the religious aspects that our community thrives on.
- Slide: 5
- Religion is very important, you're always telling me about our rituals and the importance of nature. But this all seems like politics. So was AIM focused on our identity or the politics of it all?
- Religion actually pushed us through and through. I don't think that without it we would've gotten anywhere. "We believe that the power of this universe is held within our peace pipe." (Kehoe. 1989, 92). It gave us the resilience and strength we needed to stand up to the American government. Also, "The medicine men brought wisdom to us. they gave us the spiritual guidance we needed.." (Kehoe, 1989, 83). AIM was partially guided by the medicine men, as we wanted to revitalize religious practices that had been oppressed by the government like the Sun and Ghost Dance.
- Slide: 6
- Wow.. so life wouldn't be like this without AIM, I'm glad I got to hear your story grandpa.
- I'm glad you enjoyed what you heard, you know I'll always answer anything you need.
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