Talk:American Indian Movement/Archive 1

Changing the terms used to identify Indigenous or "Native" or "Indian" people
Being "Native" simply means that one was born within a certain region or country. Being "Indian" can be confused with actual Indian people living, or hailing from, India. I have reworded the parts of the article that use this terminology. -- VinnyCee 01:58, 14 February 2006 (UTC)
 * The widely accepted terms are "Native American" and "American Indian." Deciding that people should use the term "Indigenous American" doesn't mean that they do, and doesn't make proper the introduction of a term that isn't generally known.  Dcandeto 13:36, 14 February 2006 (UTC)
 * American Indian is the Term which SHOULD be used as it is recognizable and its what most tribes refer to themselves as. Indigenous American isnt widely used or recognized, and "Native American" is a term used by the United States Government that was created by the Department of Interior in the mid-1930s to apply to any indigenous inhabitant of any of the Insular Territories like the Marianas, Guam, Alaska(former) and Puerto Rico. The issue with that term is that it was created without consultation of any the tribes in question, and it was applied without their consent (as usual). Its more of a catch all political term for marginalizing any indigenous races that the US illegally annexed and currently control without recognizing their rights as individual nations.97.100.103.131 09:30, 3 November 2007 (UTC)

There is in reality only one American Indian Movement. The group remains with much of its original founders and leadership (Clyde Bellecourt, Dennis Banks, Mary Jane Wilson, Patricia Bellanger etc).

There is agroup of individuals, most of whom had little association with AIM, that have taken since 1993 to calling themselves the "Autonomous AIM". Again most of this group has no historical tie or community tie to AIM.

Ward Churchill utilized a divergence of opinion of how to address the collateral killing of innocent Miskito-Sumo and Rama people and some Miskito Sumo and Rama working with the Contra's by the Sandanista's fighting the Contra's. William A. Means of AIM/IITC and Vernon Bellecourt of AIM had worked out a dialouge with the Sandanista's to address the concern which did not suit former AIM leader (he resigned six times since 1974)Russell Means. Means was enranged at slights-real and perceived, the Sandanista's had given to the Miskito Sumo and Rama and wanted more. Ward Churchill inflammed this dispute and coordinated a meeting with Elliot Abrams, Russell Means and the pro-Contra MISURASATA under the name of AIM which lead to a public war of words. —The preceding unsigned comment was added by Wolakota (talk • contribs).

John Trudell
He needs a mention http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/John_Trudell 79.71.220.246 (talk) —Preceding undated comment was added at 21:56, 6 January 2009 (UTC).

As does http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Leonard_Peltier 79.71.220.246 (talk) —Preceding undated comment was added at 21:58, 6 January 2009 (UTC).

Splits to main articles
The article has an undercurrent of readily apparent bias. For example: "AIM believed that advocates for Indian interests who had worked within the American political system had not been effective. The political system simply ignored Indian interests." This should be one sentence; unless the second sentence is a verifiable claim it should be written to reflect that this is the viewpoint.

(Just look at what has been done to the American Indian throughout the history of this racist country and you'd realize it's more then just a viewpoint) Thomas Greywolf - wepunkwteme@yahoo.com —Preceding unsigned comment added by 136.166.1.3 (talk) 23:48, 12 September 2009 (UTC)

Also, it is inappropriate to go into article-length detail on various incidents AIM was involved in when these events have their own articles; a brief summary is all that should be written. This helps ensure that a larger number of concerned editors - not just those with a specific interest in this article - can work towards a single version of the article, as opposed to having various articles on different pages with conflicting information. --Edwin Herdman 03:17, 30 April 2007 (UTC)

Objectivity
The phrase

"The autonomous chapters within AIM, while also spiritually guided by indigenous ceremonialism, tend more toward third world national liberation strategies and indigenous nationalism, as recently embodied in the movement of the Zapatistas in Mexico, and in the election of Evo Morales in Bolivia."

Needs a reference. And is contradictory. If the autonomous chapters have no centralized policy, how can they all speak with one voice? Further how is defined that they tend "more" towards third world national liberation strategies and indigenous nationalism. Many AIM leaders including Jimbo Simmons and them were down in Chiapas, while it may be that autonomous AIM groups are very supportive of those struggles, how can it be quanitified that they are tending "more" to them than those who follow the national AIM office? Wolakota

Re: Reference to 1980's policy with regard to the Miskito people, the policies of the Sandinista government, and the complicated issues dealt with by AIM.: I have edited the title of this section on 1/14/10 to better conform with the description in the text. The newly edited text reads "1980's support of Nicaraguan Miskito Indians." This more accurately (and more objectively) reflects what the text under that title states. —Preceding unsigned comment added by 76.7.36.74 (talk) 03:52, 15 January 2010 (UTC)

Untitled
Riann Bumpus of Redwood Valley, CA is the new leader of the American Indian Movement, though with her numerous gang affiliations, ongoing struggle with alcohol, she is losing his credibility as the new AIM leader. —Preceding unsigned comment added by 64.39.115.241 (talk) 17:22, 18 May 2010 (UTC)

Some thing I'm confused about
There seems to be some factional squabbling within AIM, and I beleive that another organiztion - not the Grand Governing Council, but Union of Internal Chapters of something - split off, with Ward Churchill in a prominent role in the new group. I think it goes down ideological lines, with the GGC faction more oriented to Indian spiritual traditions, and the new group more of a Marxist National Liberation slant. This confuses me still more when I read Churchills article in the "Encyclopedia of the American Indian" denoucing "National Liberationism" and the AIMs support of the Sandinistas. Could some one explain the origins of these sectarian divides within AIM?--70.112.236.174 21:24, 20 May 2006 (UTC)

YES IT IS AMAZING THAT WARD CHURCHILL HAS NOW BEEN WRITTEN OUT OF THE HISTORY OF THE AIM SPLIT. GREAT WORK WIKIPEDIA HISTORIANS. —Preceding unsigned comment added by 204.8.204.113 (talk) 03:16, 24 August 2010 (UTC)


 * AIM members are also involved in "Tribal Nationalism" and some American Indian tribal nations have members with strong demand for further autonomy or separatism, in the case of Republic of Lakotah secessionist declaration in Jan. 2008 for the Sioux Indian Reservations and lands in six states across the North-Central U.S. There are "Navajo Nationalists" in the four-corner states (Southwest U.S.), Cherokee Nationalists and other AIM members in Eastern Oklahoma to create a Native American/ Indian republic based on the failed State of Sequoyah over plan a century ago (1905) and others involved in "anti-Colonialism" movements in many legally "sovereign" Indian reservations, except to oust "white" or U.S. rule. To compare with Francophone separatism in Quebec, Canada and the Aztlan movement by Chicanos/Mexican Americans in the Western U.S., along with state secessionism drives: it may be the beginning of the dissolution of the U.S. and Canada. +71.102.53.48 (talk) 06:50, 9 May 2008 (UTC)

Not sure how you could have an AIM page without mention of John Trudell, National Chairman of AIM and most famous public voice and spokesperson. —Preceding unsigned comment added by 72.128.87.68 (talk) 15:22, 6 September 2008 (UTC)

Yeah, or more about Leonard Peltier. —Preceding unsigned comment added by 136.166.1.3 (talk) 20:43, 12 September 2009 (UTC)

Needs cite
An editor has added the following; it needs a cite before it can be added to the article: "The Longest Walk of 1978 was led by United Native Americans Incorporated Lehman Brightman, not AIM! Get your facts straight as it is a well known undisputed fact." Parkwells (talk) 20:26, 29 March 2012 (UTC)

Need to be careful
Somebody edited the 6/26/1975 events and thoroughly confused what happened. (I added the date, because the article really needs better chronology). You need to check published sources before editing, because it's a really complex story. Aquash was not killed in the 6/26 Jumping Bull shootout: Stunz, Coler and Williams were. If you haven't got Matthiessen's book - it's a very well-documented account - try the Peltier site, http://www.freepeltier.org. As I noted in the article today, Peltier's release has been advocated by dozens of well-known people and org's throughout the world. Twang 22:55, 19 June 2006 (UTC)

'''I agree that there should be objectivity on facts, but to supply your factual information as a link to "free peltier" website should be noted that it is bias. A nuteral link would be more appropriate. One that doesn't give facts based on what the author's opinions on the matter were.'''

Yes, a "free Peltier" web site that constantly misstates the judicial record has no place in neutrality. In his book, American Indian Mafia, former FBI Agent Joseph H. Trimbach restates 8 findings of fact from the Eighth Circuit Court of Appeals. Trimbach claims these statements "close the book" on the Peltier defense and thus expose him as a cold-blooded killer of two Federal Agents because no one has ever disproved them, not even Peter Matthiessen. The findings state: 1. Peltier was in the vehicle the Agents followed into the area. 2. One of the other individuals in the vehicle knew who the Agents were and was in Agent Williams’s car the night before. 3. Peltier had reason to believe that the Agents might be after him since there was a federal arrest warrant outstanding for his arrest. This is what he told the RCMP at the time of his arrest in Canada. 4. Peltier, along with two others, was seen down by the bodies before the first rescuers arrived. He was holding an AR-15. 5. The Agents were killed with a high velocity small caliber weapon like the AR-15. No other shooter was firing such a weapon. Peltier was later seen carrying this weapon out of the area. This weapon was later found in Kansas. 6. A shell casing which matched the ejector markings of this weapon was found in the open trunk of Agent Coler’s Bureau car. 7. Peltier was heard discussing certain details of the murders that evening. 8. Agent Coler’s service revolver was found in a bag bearing Peltier’s thumb print. The bag was located in the motor home Peltier had been riding in prior to being stopped by an Oregon State Trooper.JamesSimon500 (talk) 19:29, 27 December 2007 (UTC)


 * The FBI shouldn't have even been at the Jumping Bull Ranch to begin with. The FBI even admitted in open court that they have no direct evidence or eye witness' to say Leonard shot anyone. I love the FBI's version of events, just more lies piled on to keep a US Political prisoner encarcerated. Thomas Greywolf - wepunkwteme@yahoo.com —Preceding unsigned comment added by 136.166.1.3 (talk) 23:44, 12 September 2009 (UTC)


 * I am sympathetic to the efforts to at least grant Leonard an appeal, but don't mislead people with your statements. The FBI had every right to be on the res.  The res is a federal reserve, subject to federal law and oversight, and in fact, they had been invited there by Dick Wilson's pro-government administration.  Why they were trying to serve a state warrant for the theft of cowboy boots is beyond me... but it wasn't a violation of any law.  They did have people who testified they saw Leonard shoot the agents, though all of them said they had been pressured and threatened to say these things by federal interrogators.  Myrtle Poor Bear, who provided the affidavits (now mostly discredited) to get Leonard deported from Canada, said that she saw Leonard shoot the agents.  The government case is filled with inconsistencies, mostly about the shell casings, the ballistics tests, and the description of the vehicle (red Jeep belonging to Jimmy Eagle vs. red and white International Scout belonging to Leonard), and they certainly violated Leonard's rights by "forum shopping" his trial, by denying him the "self defense" arguments at trial, and maybe even by sending in a hitman to the prison to kill him, as Leonard believes, but don't confuse things by misstating the facts like that.
 * If the FBI had every right to be there, then an invitation from Dick Wilson does not add anything, except to indicate that the FBI sided with the goon-squads in the "reign of terror" during which many many murders went without investigation. As you point out, why two FBI agents would be hot on the trail of two cowboy boots, and whether those boots were ever found, must have a strange answer. However am obvious answer is that after the Trail of Broken Treaties, and occupation of the BIA building in DC, that AIM was put on the terrorist list, and this investigation of a possible theft by an AIM teenager was an opportunity to case the AIM camp at Jumping Bull. This seems obvious. You give too much credence to Myrtle Poor Bear's affidavit when you say "mostly now discredited". She was threatened with being ground up in a meat grinder she now testifies, and says she never met, doesn't know, Peltier, and is not his lover. ( Martin | talk • contribs 22:54, 13 April 2012 (UTC))
 * JamesSimon500 - Are these "facts"? Do you have a reference to an allegation in court, preferably the earliest, or best substantiation...
 * 1. You say Peltier was in the vehicle that agents followed
 * 2. Yes, the agents did come onto the property the day before. Who in the pickup recognized them as agents? Who was in the pickup? If the Indians recognized the agents, did the agents recognize the Indians?
 * 3. Yes, Peltier had a warrant from Minneapolis. Failure to show up. Was the underlying charge a big deal? (I know he was not convicted on it.)
 * 4. Was the first rescuer Agent Adams? I don't see much about him. Did he see the red pickup? Where?
 * 5. You say like the AR-15. How conclusive? And Agent Coler's gun was reported to be found there in the burned out car.
 * 6. How conclusive is this match? What about the so-called "pin" marks not matching, and suppressed?
 * 7. You say Peltier was heard, but not heard by whom. Hearsay, and who reported it? First allegation?
 * 8. How many guns did Coler have?
 * ( Martin | talk • contribs 22:40, 13 April 2012 (UTC))

Pine Ridge
This is the first mention of the murder so it doesn't really make any sense without adding the context to the main article: "More recently, Banks and the Bellecourts have rallied in support of John Graham and Arlo Looking Cloud, who were indicted in 2003 for the 1976 murder of Anna Mae Pictou-Aquash. Means and other AIM affiliates believe that those who ordered Aquash's murder, even if they are AIM leaders, should be held accountable. Means argues that Looking Cloud's conviction has made Looking Cloud a scapegoat for those who actually ordered Aquash's murder. Each of the current AIM factions accuses the other of complicity in Aquash's murder.[7]" —Preceding unsigned comment added by 38.112.81.103 (talk) 13:03, 5 December 2008 (UTC)

Terrorism portal
Wow. The Terrorism Portal is being added to some articles that have nothing to do with terrorism. Based on what criteria was this portal added to American Indian Movement? The word terrorism appears nowhere in the article and any assertion that AIM was a terrorist organization would be highly POV. They weren't even guerrillas. - N1h1l 03:27, 26 June 2007 (UTC) Copied to WikiProject Terrorism talk


 * Depends how you define terrorism. Most scholars define terrorism in terms of attacks on civilian targets for political goals. WRT AIM, I think that the Pine Ridge and Mt. Rushmore bombings alone would qualify. Beyond those incidents I don't know. The problem with deleting this project is that it inhibits people from working on it and developing it any further. I would let them run with the project for a while and see what happens, instead of trying to shut it down before it gets going.Verklempt 20:51, 26 June 2007 (UTC)

I think the terrorism tag needs to be removed as well. Does anybody other than Verklempt disagree ?? Albion moonlight 08:46, 15 July 2007 (UTC)
 * AIM's status as a terrorist organization remains entirely uncited on List of designated terrorist organizations. - N1h1l 14:17, 15 July 2007 (UTC)
 * Actually, AIM is listed on that page, albeit without cites. I will go over and add the necessary cites.Verklempt 20:15, 15 July 2007 (UTC)
 * Your citations are great, but they do not establish AIM's status as an designated terrorist organization. What official body has made and published such a declaration? - N1h1l 01:32, 16 July 2007 (UTC)
 * Read the references! All the data you need is in there. The FBI is the relevant "official body" here.Verklempt 19:32, 16 July 2007 (UTC)

I agree with you it should be deleted. Delete it now if you want but I prefer waiting another day or 2. Albion moonlight 03:20, 16 July 2007 (UTC)

Wow. Terrorism? Quite POV. Delete it. -  Kathryn NicDhàna  ♫ ♦ ♫ 15:16, 16 July 2007 (UTC)
 * Of course it is POV. One man's terrorist is another man's freedom fighter, in every single instance. However, the Wikipedia definition of a terrorist organization is one that has been so designated by an "official body" -- in this case, the FBI. I personally do not completely agree with the FBI. There were only a handful of terrorists in AIM, they only did a handful of terrorist acts, and that was all more than thirty years ago. However, it still meets the official Wikipedia definition.Verklempt 19:32, 16 July 2007 (UTC)
 * Are you certain that the FBI has the power to officially designate terrorist organizations? If so, can you please provide a link to their list so that we can see the inclusion of AIM. Searching their site, I am unable to locate such a list. - N1h1l 02:56, 17 July 2007 (UTC)
 * The designation was made back in the 70s, and is documented by the references I entered. I doubt that AIM would be on any list today, given that is effectively defunct in all but name.Verklempt 00:07, 18 July 2007 (UTC)

I agree that the term terrorism in relation to AIM is indeed overdone. With all accusation the word "alleged" is a constant paramount. So the saying that "one is not guilty unless proven" only goes to show. Flashing firearms or shooting in the air may have excited the feds at the time proves nothing and may just have a way to get attention to their Native American issues. And even the bomb at Mount Rushmore was "alleged" according to the article. Sometimes even governmental bodies like the FBI and CAI are being accused of terrorist activities like in the case of the Cuban Five and the undeclared war of the US against Cuba. —Preceding unsigned comment added by 77.162.133.112 (talk) 18:59, 3 December 2007 (UTC)


 * Terrorism is an allegation, so alleged terrorist is a redundancy, I feel. I also feel that it is objectively true that the FBI designated AIM as a terrorist organization (or the then equivalent), along with the Panthers and Weathermen, and they were subjects of the COINTELLPRO actions. I don't know what more one would need to be considered political targets, or terrorists. What would the definition be?? An organization under investigation in anticipation of disturbing the powerful. It's a crime against power of some sort, that much seems clear enough.( Martin | talk • contribs 23:35, 13 April 2012 (UTC))

FBI designation
The source provided for AIM's "designated terrorist organization" status is not easily available to me and appears to be a collection of FOIA-request documents on microfilm. A LexisNexis summary of the document (here) does not mention terrorism. Could someone please provide page numbers and an excerpt from this source so that we can see the context of this supposed designation? It is hard to believe that an official designation by the FBI would exist only in internal documents and go unrepeated in other literature. - N1h1l 02:29, 18 July 2007 (UTC)
 * I'm not sure the FBI's description qualifies as an official designation. This is a borderline case, and something that Wikipedians need to work out. What exactly is the official WP definition of "terrorist group"? Does this case fall inside or outside the category boundary? It's a discussion better carried on over at the terrorism page instead of here.Verklempt 20:24, 18 July 2007 (UTC)
 * I'll start a new post on List of designated terrorist organizations. - N1h1l 14:27, 21 July 2007 (UTC)
 * Ok see What consitutes "designation"? (regarding the American Indian Movement). Verklempt - it would still be helpful if you posted an excerpt from the source you provided. - N1h1l 14:59, 21 July 2007 (UTC)

I agree but lets invite Kathryn too. Albion moonlight 21:31, 18 July 2007 (UTC)


 * It's a discussion better carried out here, than on the Terrorism page - each "alleged" terrorist should be weighed on the merits of the title being bestowed on them. We're never going to create one "perfect" reasoning for what defines a terrorist, all I can say, like everybody else other than Verklempt, is that the AIM is not terrorist. Sherurcij (Speaker for the Dead) 05:41, 19 July 2007 (UTC)


 * But of course, reason and evidence should be the basis of such determinations, shouldn't it? We need a precise definition of "terrorist" before we can accurately designate a terrorist group. And so far everyone seems to be abdicating the realm of operationalization. Do you have a basis for your opinion that you'd like to share?Verklempt 05:56, 19 July 2007 (UTC)

I think you hit the nail on the head when you said "One man's terrorist is another man's freedom fighter, in every single instance." There is no perfect definition of terrorism. Albion moonlight 08:08, 19 July 2007 (UTC)
 * Luckily, we aren't trying to define terrorism. Rather, we simply need to identify "organizations that are, or have been in the past, designated as 'terrorist organizations' by other notable organizations, including the United Nations and national governments, where the proscription has a significant impact on the group's activities." - N1h1l 14:27, 21 July 2007 (UTC)

That certainly is a fair and logical way of looking at it. Albion moonlight 07:05, 22 July 2007 (UTC)

Perhaps both the "terrorism" page and this "AIM" page need reworking, as both have evolved over time and are relative according to politics of the day. For example, I think the people of Great Britain in the 1770s would have had a lot of support for their opinion that the American Colonists were a bunch of ruthless terrorists. "Terrorism" as a word hasn't been in our cultural vocabulary for very long. Back in the 50s and 60s, the word "communist" was used in a similar way. Heck, the FBI had Martin Luther King, Jr. listed as a seriously threatening communist subversive at one time. I won't list any cites here, but I looked at an old dictionary for a definition of "terrorism" and compared that to the list at dictionary.com today. It was clear that even "official, authorized" definitions are relative to the times they're written. The fact that AIM may have had members that engaged in violence that may have officially been listed at one time as terrorism, doesn't mean that that's what AIM officially as an organization was about. Similarly, it wouldn't be accurate to describe Pro-Life advocates as a bunch of terrorists just because certain members have engaged in politically motivated violent activities. Bottom line: it's not accurate to refer to AIM as a terrorist organization. It would be accurate to say that in the 1970s, the FBI had them listed as such. Let intelligent readers make up their own minds.Timcollardey (talk) 13:30, 27 December 2007 (UTC)

Can anybody explain to me why this group is listed under the heading of COINTELPRO targets but there is no mention at all within the article itself? Why is the fact that the government inserted agents into this movement for the express purpose of disenfranchising the indian people being suppressed? —Preceding unsigned comment added by 67.9.149.141 (talk) 22:51, 9 April 2009 (UTC)

Relation to Marxism, Social Democracy, and Anarchism
I have heard in the past that AIM is a Marxist organization. Is this true, or just a characterization by opponents? Does AIM promote any particular left-wing political ideology, or does it have its own ideology? If so, what are its ideological influences in political thought? Could someone please clarify this? —Preceding unsigned comment added by 207.47.240.109 (talk) 17:25, 25 November 2007 (UTC)

I believe this indeed to be a characterization by opponents. Whenever I engaged in discussions with conservative Americans it just strikes me that time and time again automatic labeling like Marxism and Anarchism is standardly used. And this while all the militant actions are still "alleged". There is no proof that they tried to bomb Mount Rushmore, etc. Their ideology is of course predominantly just Native American and the left-wing agenda is just a result of the peaceful negociations of the past having led to no results or nobody willing to listen to them. Therefore they just had to do their best to get attention and exaggeration by the media is always very unfortunate. Overhere in Europe we do not tend to make such a fuzz of Marxism and Socialism as this is interwoven in to society together with Capitalism. If AIM had some liking for Marxism, I'd say so what? As long as Marxism doesn't extend towards a Communist State like in China or the former Soviet Union, it can only be harmless Socialism, which will be a good thing to neutralize the injustice created by pure Capitalism as whereever someone gets rich someone else will be more poor than before.
 * Bombing is not a hallmark of Marxism. Or Anarchism. (The USA uses bombs, for example.) ( Martin |  talk • contribs 23:45, 13 April 2012 (UTC))

Theo, Amsterdam —Preceding unsigned comment added by 77.162.133.112 (talk) 14:19, 27 December 2007 (UTC)

I'm aware of the difference in European and American views regarding socialism. I'm just curious if any particular political theorists influenced AIM, or if they have a systematic vision of society. Does anyone know what their theoretical influences/platform involve other than Native American Nationalism? —Preceding unsigned comment added by 128.233.112.142 (talk) 22:58, 29 April 2008 (UTC)


 * The AIM was originally founded as an activist group to protest against police brutality against American Indians when they get stopped and arrested by Minneapolis Police officers, many held a racist imagery of "Indians" esp. in DUI incidents and the lack of awareness of American Indians, like African-Americans and Latinos, are lesser-known, but often victims of police brutality. The AIM later became involved in other political issues regarding the civil rights, cultural dignity and land ownership rights of Native American(s)/ Indians. In Canada, First Nations activist groups wanted a government investigation on the high portion of Native Canadians arrested, physically assaulted and falsely imprisoned by the Royal Canadian Mounted Police in the 1990's and 2000's is a painful and serious national issue. +71.102.53.48 (talk) 06:45, 9 May 2008 (UTC)

Yes I'm aware of the overrepresentation of Aboriginal people in prison in Canada and the United States (I'm a Canadian myself). What I'm asking here is whether any particular political theorists or theories inform the ideology of AIM. Does anyone know? —Preceding unsigned comment added by 128.233.112.142 (talk) 20:23, 15 May 2008 (UTC)

The political philosophy of AIM can be found in The Longest Walk Manifesto. It is not based on any ideology, left or right, derived from Europe. It is based on traditional land based spiritual beliefs of our respective Indian Nations. Capitilism, Marxism, Socialism, Anarchy are all facets of European colonialism of Indigenous Peoples. —Preceding unsigned comment added by 125.238.144.77 (talk) 18:01, 5 June 2010 (UTC)


 * I belileve that AIM was not trying to overthrow the government, or even change the government. They were trying to get the government to obey its own laws. So that makes them ultra-right-wing-conservatives, I think.( Martin |  talk • contribs 23:49, 13 April 2012 (UTC))

FBI Informants?
Does anyone else know anyone that was approached by the FBI to be an informant and infiltrate AIM? They offered my dad a good salary and a new car. But we didn't really talk much more about it. I would like to know more. — Preceding unsigned comment added by Warwrit (talk • contribs) 20:38, 23 August 2012 (UTC)

Long
This is quite possibly the longest article ever written for wikipedia. Quite. L. Thomas W. (talk) 14:58, 27 February 2015 (UTC)

Cleanup needed
Opinion tends to creep in here, so that needs to be regularly dealt with. The other thing is sourcing. A bunch of recent edits are all sourced simply to: "Matthiessen, Peter. In the Spirit Of Crazy Horse. NY, Penguin, 1992." This is really not sufficient. We need exact page numbers that have that content, and which edition of the book it is, in every cite. If editors who are willing to fill in the missing data will do so, I am willing to help with cleanup on properly formatting the references, or directing folks on where to go to learn more about how to do WP:RS and WP:V sourcing. But the burden for correct page numbers is on the person adding the content and cite, otherwise it may be cut. In general, Matthiessen is a usable source, but as he does push one particular view on this he can't be the only one we use here, and without page numbers it's not clear to readers if the book actually sources the content or if it's the user's opinion. Thanks! - Co rb ie V  ☊☼ 19:25, 6 October 2015 (UTC)

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Hello, Ewk'sik'nii13, I am adding another peer review. Your Wiki Article is very detailed. I would suggest, however, adding in more information under the 'Initial movement' section, to include aspects such as what American press entities were utilized in raising attention. I would also consider what other AIM protests were evident, under the 'AIM protests' section. Are there any other goals or commitments AIM has, as well? What was the initial cause of AIM splitting into two faction; in other words, what drove the two different groups to feel they were each authentic of one another, or the authentic inheritor (under the 'Ideological differences within AIM')? Iivanchentw (talk) 05:09, 23 May 2019 (UTC)livanchentw

curious about Pine Ridge
I'm curious about Pine Ridge. It states here that it included the "alleged taking of 11 hostages". How do you only allegedly take hostages? I suppose it was never proven in court that they had? I know nothing right now, except what is written here. Perhaps an expansion of the article is in order.... --Habap 19:53, 21 Jun 2005 (UTC)


 * It appears the comment you ask about has been changed. It probably refers to Wounded Knee II in which AIM and their supporters tried to reclaim the area as a symbolic gesture of defiance against the government and government cronies in Dick Wilson's pro-government administration.  It may have been that several people were there against their will, and that this may have led to an allegation that they had been held hostage.  You are correct that nobody was ever convicted of doing that.  —Preceding unsigned comment added by 75.145.59.90 (talk) 20:35, 3 December 2009 (UTC)


 * Originally AIM claimed to have hostages: particularly the family who owned and operated the trading post, and a few others. When the US government negotiated for them to leave, however, they said they weren't hostages and stayed, according to the PBS program about "Wounded Knee," the 5th of their series, We're Still Here. All the episodes are available online.Parkwells (talk) 18:20, 17 July 2011 (UTC)


 * So, what you're telling me is that I can allegedly take hostages as well? — Preceding unsigned comment added by 64.33.251.71 (talk) 01:47, 16 November 2019 (UTC)

Wiki Education Foundation-supported course assignment
This article was the subject of a Wiki Education Foundation-supported course assignment, between 1 April 2019 and 7 June 2019. Further details are available on the course page. Student editor(s): Iivanchentw, Ewk'sik'nii13. Peer reviewers: Hannah-ortloff.

Above undated message substituted from Template:Dashboard.wikiedu.org assignment by PrimeBOT (talk) 14:02, 16 January 2022 (UTC)