Where White Men Fear to Tread

1. Russell Means' journey from urban struggle to American Indian Movement leader

"At the age of thirty I became a full-time Indian."

Urban struggles and awakening: Russell Means grew up in California, disconnected from his Lakota roots. He faced racism, struggled with alcohol and drugs, and engaged in petty crime. His journey to reconnect with his heritage began when he moved to Cleveland and became involved with the local Indian community.

Transformation through activism: Means' involvement with the American Indian Movement (AIM) in the late 1960s marked a turning point in his life. He found purpose in fighting for Native American rights and reclaiming his cultural identity. This transformation led him to become a prominent leader in AIM, organizing protests and advocating for indigenous rights across the United States.

Key events in Means' early activism:

• Organizing the Cleveland American Indian Center
• Participating in the occupation of Alcatraz Island
• Leading protests against racist mascots and stereotypes
• Confronting government officials and demanding justice for Native Americans

2. The impact of boarding schools and relocation on Native American identity

"Boarding-school discipline was harsh: Speaking any Indian language, failing to flush a toilet, neglecting the rigid dress code, even straying over a chalk line on the playground brought demerits."

Cultural genocide: The U.S. government's boarding school system aimed to assimilate Native American children by forcibly removing them from their families and communities. This policy, along with relocation programs that encouraged Native Americans to move to urban areas, had devastating effects on indigenous cultures and identities.

Intergenerational trauma: The abuse and cultural suppression experienced in boarding schools created lasting trauma that affected multiple generations of Native Americans. This trauma manifested in various ways, including:

• Loss of language and cultural practices
• Breakdown of traditional family structures
• Increased rates of alcoholism and substance abuse
• Difficulty in maintaining cultural connections in urban environments
• Internalized racism and shame about Native identity

3. AIM's fight against injustice: From Gordon, Nebraska to Mount Rushmore

"We were the vanguard of the Indian-rights fight."

Confronting racism: AIM gained national attention through its confrontational tactics and willingness to challenge racist policies and practices. The organization's response to the murder of Raymond Yellow Thunder in Gordon, Nebraska, demonstrated its commitment to seeking justice for Native Americans.

Symbolic protests: AIM's occupation of Mount Rushmore in 1970 and 1971 highlighted the ongoing struggle for Native American land rights and sovereignty. These actions brought media attention to indigenous issues and inspired a new generation of activists.

Key AIM actions:

• Demanding justice for Raymond Yellow Thunder in Gordon, Nebraska
• Occupying Mount Rushmore to assert Lakota claims to the Black Hills
• Challenging racist mascots and stereotypes in sports and media
• Establishing "survival schools" to teach Native American history and culture

4. Spiritual awakening and the significance of the Sun Dance ceremony

"I became consumed by prayer. Almost before I knew it, the song was over."

Reconnecting with traditions: Means' participation in the Sun Dance ceremony marked a significant step in his spiritual journey and reconnection with Lakota traditions. This experience deepened his commitment to preserving and revitalizing Native American cultural practices.

Importance of ceremony: The Sun Dance and other traditional ceremonies played a crucial role in maintaining Native American identity and resilience in the face of oppression. These practices provided:

• Spiritual guidance and healing
• A sense of community and belonging
• A way to honor ancestors and maintain cultural continuity
• Strength and motivation for political activism

5. Confronting racism and advocating for Native American rights in urban centers

"I couldn't stand the thought that AIM members could be petty, jealous, and spiteful."

Urban Indian centers: Means and other activists established Indian centers in cities like Cleveland to provide support and services to Native Americans who had been relocated from reservations. These centers became hubs for cultural preservation and political organizing.

Challenging stereotypes: AIM and other Native American activists worked to confront racist stereotypes and mascots in sports, media, and popular culture. They organized protests, engaged in public education efforts, and demanded respect for Native American cultures and identities.

Key areas of urban activism:

• Establishing Indian centers and community organizations
• Protesting racist mascots and stereotypes
• Advocating for improved healthcare and social services
• Demanding recognition of treaty rights and sovereignty

6. The Trail of Broken Treaties: A pivotal moment in Native American activism

"We decided to call our planned trip the 'Trail of Broken Treaties,' focusing attention on the two hundred years of lies and empty promises our people had received from the United States."

Nationwide mobilization: The Trail of Broken Treaties brought together Native Americans from across the country to demand government accountability and respect for treaty rights. This massive caravan to Washington, D.C. represented a new level of organization and unity in the Native American rights movement.

Confronting the government: The occupation of the Bureau of Indian Affairs building in Washington, D.C. during the Trail of Broken Treaties forced the federal government to confront longstanding grievances and demands of Native American communities. This action brought unprecedented media attention to indigenous issues and set the stage for further activism.

Key demands of the Trail of Broken Treaties:

• Restoration of treaty-making authority
• Review of treaty commitments and violations
• Repeal of termination laws
• Reformation of the Bureau of Indian Affairs
• Protection of indigenous land and resources

7. Internal conflicts and the challenges of unity within the American Indian Movement

"I was seeing that AIM had come down to issues of personalities and control, and the split was out in the open."

Leadership struggles: As AIM grew in prominence, internal conflicts emerged between leaders with different visions and approaches. These conflicts sometimes undermined the organization's effectiveness and unity.

Balancing tradition and activism: AIM leaders grappled with how to balance traditional spiritual practices with political activism. This tension sometimes led to disagreements and power struggles within the movement.

Sources of internal conflict:

• Personality clashes between leaders
• Disagreements over tactics and strategy
• Competition for media attention and resources
• Differing interpretations of traditional practices and their role in activism

8. Reclaiming Native American culture and traditions in the face of oppression

"We dance for our ancestors, and as long as the songs go on, we are once again free Indians."

Cultural revitalization: AIM and other Native American activists worked to revitalize traditional practices, languages, and spiritual beliefs that had been suppressed by government policies and cultural assimilation.

Empowerment through identity: Reclaiming Native American identity and culture became a powerful form of resistance against oppression and a source of strength for individuals and communities.

Elements of cultural reclamation:

• Reviving traditional ceremonies and spiritual practices
• Preserving and teaching Native languages
• Challenging stereotypes and misrepresentations in media and education
• Asserting sovereignty and treaty rights
• Establishing Native-controlled schools and educational programs

Last updated: November 18, 2024