jan 1, 1972 - Trail of Broken Treaties
Description:
Was a cross-country protest that ended in Washington. Protesters occupied the Bureau of Indian Affairs building in order to draw attention to Indian rights (for a week). The protest was initiated by AIM and aimed to gain positive media attention and support from the public to get the government to support a policy of self-determination for Native Americans. They also wanted to have an effect on the Presidential election of 1972. They thought if the government would be forced to listen to their requests and hoped the government would be convinced to enforce past treaties with the help of public pressure. They wanted the government to agree to a 20-point plan. The government promised to negotiate the demands, refrain from making arrests and pay the Indians' expense home.
BIA confidential files were seized by protesters revealing a range of questionnable government actions/practices related to reservation land and mineral rights. The government paid approximately $66,000 for the return transportation of the participants.
Added to timeline:
Native Americans and Civil Rights
1865 - 1992
Date:
