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1973, Wounded Knee Protest

On February 27, 1973 members of the American Indian Movement group and Oglala Sioux traditionalists seized the town of Wounded Knee in a protest action demanding the return of all lands in the Great Sioux Nation. The town was immediately blockaded by U.S. Marshalls and FBI agents, and the seige lasted for 71 days, ending with the AIM group surrendering themselves and their arms. Two Native Americans were dead at the conclusion of this standoff, as well as several injuries on the side of the Marshalls and the FBI.

While largely unsuccessful as a protest or a political action, the reoccupation of Wounded Knee by the AIM group does highlight that even well into the late 20th century the social attitudes between select Native American groups and Anglo-Americans still has yet to find resolution. The desperate social and economic plight of peoples robbed of land and cultural identity can arguably provide a breeding ground for the bitterness and resentment which would require such extremist actions. Actions which unfortunately overshadow any support, awareness, or
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