The American Indian Movement and Occupation of Alcatraz Research Paper

The American Indian Movement and Occupation of Alcatraz - Research Paper Example The American Indian Movement (AIM), an armed American Indian civil rights organization, was formed in 1968 in Minneapolis by Dennis Banks, George Mitchell, Eddie Benton Banai, and Clyde Bellecourt. In following years, Russell Means emerged as the leading spokesman for the organization (â€Å"American Indian Movement†). The organization was established in response to police brutality against Native Indian Americans. However, its origins can be traced to the civil right movement of the National Indian Youth Council (NIYC) in the early 1960s. In 1854, Governor of Washington, Isaac Stevens signed a treaty that allowed the native tribes to do fishing according to own traditional styles and preserve the cultural heritage. However, according to the 1960s law reformation, cultural heritage and fishing rights are independent issues and hence, it was prohibited to use traps, nets, and spears (which were the traditional means of fishing for Native Americans) under the state laws (Shepher d 1-2). Also, the federal government’s â€Å"termination policy† brought the tribal lands under state control. Native Indians tribes that came under state jurisdiction suffered the immense loss of land and increased poverty. Many Native men migrated to urban areas for livelihood, however, their poverty continued (Shepherd 1-2). In urban cities, Native Americans suffered a massive oppression, discrimination, and racism. In urbanized surroundings, Native Americans became increasingly restless and knowledgeable about their rights and injustice.