Cool People Who Did Cool Stuff CZM Rewind: Part Three: Lakota Resistance to the American Empire
Jan 5, 2026
Explore the rich history of Lakota resistance against American imperialism, from Crazy Horse to Leonard Peltier. Delve into the formation of the American Indian Movement and its early tactics, including street patrols and legal strategies. Discover the significance of the 1969 Alcatraz occupation and its cultural impact. Unpack Leonard Peltier's story, his early activism, and the challenges faced by AIM. The discussion is filled with evocative symbolism, community struggles, and a critique of governmental policies.
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AIM's Roots And Strategy
- AIM grew from jail-based Indigenous study groups into a national movement connecting urban and reservation communities.
- The movement fused survival schools, street patrols, and direct action to reclaim rights and cultural autonomy.
Alcatraz Occupation Became A Small Town
- The 1969 Alcatraz occupation began with student activists and grew into a 19-month occupation with up to 400 people.
- Occupiers set up daycare, health care, and Radio Free Alcatraz while demanding an American Indian cultural center.
Alcatraz Proclamation's Stark Irony
- The November 1969 Alcatraz occupiers issued a fierce Proclamation reclaiming the island by right of discovery.
- Their proclamation used sharp irony to expose reservation conditions and remind passing ships of Indigenous history.