AIM Movement Timeline

American Indian Movement Timeline

1975-1978 Change!!!

Stage 3: Enthusiastic Mobilization

Integration of change

Documents created AIM that supported policy change and land restoration:

1968

AIM is Official

During this time, the Alcatraz takeover had failed, Indian lives were lost and AIM viewed the "institution" as the problem. Just when the organization began to grow significantly in numbers, and AIM finally saw policy change.

- The U.S. District Court of Oregon rules that bones of the 9,000 year-old human remains known as Kennewick Man, found in the Columbia River, be returned to the Indian tribes that have claimed him as their ancient ancestor, as determined by AIM and the Native American Graves Protection and Repatriation Act of 1990.

1975 - The Indian Self-Determination and Education Assistance Act gives Native Americans more control in administering federal programs and services to their communities.

1977 - AIM sponsors talks resulting in the 1977 International Treaty Conference with the U.N. in Geneva, Switzerland.

1977-78 - U.S. Congress passes approximately 50 laws that help redefine tribal issues regarding water rights, fishing rights and land acquisition. Some land is returned to the tribes, and issues of self-governance are further clarified.

- American Indian Movement is founded in Minnesota to protect, help, and preserve Indian Native communities and restore policies and land.

1970 Policies Restored

youtube.com/watch?v=jg28ww5IaXY

Stage 5: Termination

aimmovement.org

Life Cycle Stage 1: Genesis

- President Nixon formally ends the termination policies established in the 1950s and announces a new policy of "self-determination without termination." The administration introduces 22 legislative proposals supporting Indian self-rule.

-The final stage approaches in the late 90's. The social movement was a success in that it brought much policy change. As time goes on the movement fades away and turns into an effective organization full of resources for all Indians. Check out it out at AIMmovement.org.

-AIM experienced a long period of pre-genesis before the movement became official in 86'. AIM claims that through oral tradition, the movement has existed for over 500 years without an actual name (Wittstock, Salinas 1998).

All: http://aics.org/WK/

1980

1990

1970

2000+

1960

1973 - Wounded Knee II

Stage 4: Maintenance

1969 Occupation at Alcatraz

- Members of the American Indian Movement arrive at Alcatraz. After about two weeks, they return to Minneapolis bringing new ideas about confrontational activism and land seizure as a tool to confront the federal government's Indian policies.

Up until this time AIM has experience a lot of movement and member growth as an organization. Policy changes were created in favor of AIM, but lives were also lost in the process. From the early 80 to the mid 90's AIM experienced a period of quiet time as the institution and media turned their heads toward more pressing issues.

aimmovement.org

Stage 2: Social Unrest

1994 Walk for Justice

- The Lakota Sioux tribe on Pine Ridge reservation attempt to have the BIA-backed head of the tribal administration, impeached, but they receive resistance from the federal government. AIM seizes control of Wounded Knee (site of the 1890 massacre) and the perimeter is placed under siege for 71 days. More than 500,000 rounds of ammunition are fired into AIM's bunkers. Two Indians and one FBI agent are killed. Nearly 1,200 people are arrested.

http://aics.org/WK/

There is an increasing number of Indians rising up expressing their concerns. For example, the infamous Island called Alcatraz was once a very sacred place for Indians but was taken over to make room for a prison. In an effort to shake the establishment, AIM attempted to take over Alcatraz several times, yearning for a response.

- AIM leaders decide to be active and undertake a nationwide "Walk for Justice" beginning on Alcatraz Island to bring attention to the continued unjust imprisonment of Leonard Peltier and to remember those who have passed in 78' during the movement.

youtube.com/watch?v=7QNfUE7hBUc

http://aics.org/WK/

users.humboldt.edu/ogayle/LongestWalkPoster.jpg