Rev Left Radio [BEST OF] The American Indian Movement (AIM)
12 snips
May 14, 2025 
In this engaging discussion, Nick Estes, a historian and co-founder of The Red Nation, sheds light on the American Indian Movement (AIM). He explores the pivotal 1973 Siege of Wounded Knee, symbolizing Indigenous resistance. Estes connects AIM's legacy to modern struggles for justice, including parallels with contemporary protests. He also delves into the impact of forced assimilation and the importance of grassroots activism. Additionally, the conversation highlights the movement's legacy in promoting sovereignty and international recognition for Indigenous rights.
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AIM's Founding Focus
- AIM formed in Minneapolis in 1968 built on addressing child removal, police violence, and poverty among Indigenous urban communities.
- These issues shaped their unique working-class, anti-colonial politics and community work beyond militant actions.
AIM’s Historical Roots
- Indigenous resistance pre-AIM was continuous, rooted in treaty councils and opposition to allotment and boarding schools.
- AIM built upon earlier struggles including the fight against termination and relocation, reflecting deep history of Indigenous sovereignty movements.
AIM’s Prison Origins and Urban Activism
- AIM members like Clyde Belcourt and Dennis Banks began organizing in prisons then extended activism to urban issues like child removal and police violence.
- They created survival schools and fought social service agencies stealing native children to preserve culture and community autonomy.
