National Congress of American Indians Statement on the 1973 Takeover of the Bureau of Indian Affairs and Occupation of Wounded Knee, 1973-04-02

Item — Box: LG 67, Folder: 7

Identifier: CAC_CC_009_2_67_7_0014

Staff Only

National Congress of American Indians Statement on the 1973 Takeover of the Bureau of Indian Affairs and Occupation of Wounded Knee, 1973-04-02

The National Congress of American Indians presents their position on the takeover of the Bureau of Indian Affairs building and the occupation of Wounded Knee by the American Indian Movement. They express regret and sorrow over the events, highlighting the internal conflict within the Indian community. The statement discusses the lack of self-government powers for tribal governments and the failure of the US to uphold treaty commitments. The statement also addresses the struggle for a modern identity for American Indians and the response to the crisis at Wounded Knee. The NCAI expresses gratitude to federal marshals and FBI for avoiding unnecessary violence.