The Red Power Movement, Essay Example

The struggle for rights and independence occurred in the US at one point. This brought in the birth of Red Power movement, an American Indian Movement (AIM) in the 1660s. Dissatisfied with the slow progress, younger leaders of these movement desired to bring change within their communities. Most of these leaders comprised of well-educated college students, well exposed to the developing culture.

These AIM leaders were Native Americans, who were aware of the next phase of Native American activism. This marked a countercultural that would lead to a greater intergenerational clash in the United States. Although the founders of the red power movement came from the reservations, they felt the rising dissent amongst their contemporaries.

The leaders formed the AIM that aimed at focusing the national attention on the plight of Indians. According to the terms of an 1868 US treaty with Sioux, Indians obtained the right to unused federal property. AIM resided in Alcatraz Island in 1969, and remained on that historic island untouched until 1971, where the government disbursed them. At that time, Non-native Americans comprised of a majority of the government. They discriminated the Native Americans.

AIM angered, and they marched on Washington D.C., and raided the Bureau of Indian Affairs offices.  They destroyed files and made a mess of the mismanaged Indian affairs. These demonstrations were shocking especially to those who led less provocative organizations. The Native Americans broke the rules and fought the police. No AIM member hurt in the process, but AIM was able to pass information. They demanded their land back, and they fought tirelessly for the same. The AIM leaders realized that working through the system and participating in the great march toward peace was the only way to improve the Native American’s status of rights. There is still needed for AIM   just incase, a similar scenario happens.