8.2 Native American activism and the Red Power Movement
4 min read•august 14, 2024
The emerged in the 1960s as Native Americans fought for civil rights and . In New Mexico, activists focused on , , and combating environmental issues like . Their efforts challenged government policies and sought to preserve Indigenous cultures.
The movement's impact led to increased recognition of tribal and passage of key legislation. However, challenges persist. In New Mexico, activists continue to address issues like land disputes, , and , building on the legacy of the Red Power era.
Red Power Movement in New Mexico
Goals and Tactics of the Movement
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Asserted Native American civil rights, promoted tribal sovereignty and , and challenged U.S. government policies towards Native Americans
Sought to regain control of tribal lands, preserve Native cultures and traditions, improve education and healthcare in Native communities, and combat discrimination and marginalization
Utilized protests, , and legal challenges to assert treaty rights and demand recognition of tribal sovereignty
Examples: Occupations of Alcatraz Island (1969-1971) and Wounded Knee (1973)
Employed media and public awareness campaigns to garner support for the movement
In New Mexico, focused on issues such as land rights, , and the protection of sacred sites
Example: Fought against forced relocation and assimilation policies
New Mexico-Specific Issues and Activism
Activists in New Mexico fought for the return of ancestral lands and the protection of sacred sites from development and resource extraction
Example: Disputes over land rights in the region
Challenged the environmental and health impacts of uranium mining and on Native communities
Example: Activism against uranium mining in the Grants Mineral Belt region
Demanded improved education and healthcare services in Native communities across the state
Sought to preserve and revitalize Native cultures and traditions in New Mexico
Example: Efforts to maintain Indigenous languages and cultural practices
Impact of Native American Activism
Increased Recognition of Tribal Sovereignty
Led to increased recognition of tribal sovereignty and the right of Native American tribes to govern themselves and manage their own affairs
Pressured the U.S. government to pass legislation such as the of 1975
Gave tribes greater control over federal programs and services
Contributed to the growth of tribal governments and the development of Native-led organizations and institutions
Example: Creation of the (NCAI) in 1944
Ongoing Challenges to Tribal Sovereignty
Despite gains, many challenges to tribal sovereignty persist
Ongoing disputes over land and resource rights
Limitations on tribal jurisdiction
Legacy of colonial policies and structures
Activists continue to fight for full recognition of tribal sovereignty and self-determination
Example: Efforts to strengthen the (ICWA) to protect Native children and families
Key Events in the Red Power Movement
Occupation of Alcatraz (1969-1971)
Pivotal event that brought national attention to the Red Power Movement and its demands
Activists claimed the island under the terms of an 1868 treaty that allowed Native Americans to reclaim unused federal land
Demanded the creation of a Native American cultural center and university
Occupation ended with the removal of activists by federal authorities
Inspired similar protests and occupations across the country
Examples: Occupations at Plymouth Rock and Mount Rushmore
Impact of the Alcatraz Occupation
Led to the creation of new organizations, such as the (AIM)
AIM became a leading force in the Red Power Movement
Increased public awareness of Native American issues and the Red Power Movement
Demonstrated the power of direct action and civil disobedience in advancing Native rights
Inspired a new generation of Native activists and leaders
Example: , who went on to become a prominent activist and spokesperson for Native rights
Red Power Movement and Environmental Issues
Intersection with Environmental Justice
Native American activists often framed their struggles in terms of environmental justice and the protection of sacred lands and natural resources
Movement intersected with broader environmental concerns
Opposition to mining, logging, and dam construction on tribal lands
Fight against pollution and environmental degradation
In New Mexico, Red Power Movement was closely tied to struggles over land rights and environmental protection
Example: Disputes over the return of ancestral lands and the protection of sacred sites from development and resource extraction
Uranium Mining and Nuclear Testing
Activists challenged the environmental and health impacts of uranium mining and nuclear testing on Native communities
Particularly in the Grants Mineral Belt region of New Mexico
Uranium mining led to widespread contamination of land, water, and air in Native communities
Example: Church Rock uranium mill spill in 1979, which released over 1,000 tons of radioactive waste into the Puerco River
Nuclear testing at the Nevada Test Site also had devastating impacts on Native communities in New Mexico and across the Southwest
Example: Downwind communities exposed to radioactive fallout from nuclear tests
Growth of Indigenous Environmental Movement
Intersection of Red Power and environmental activism led to the growth of the Indigenous Environmental Network and other organizations
Continue to fight for Native rights and environmental justice
Native activists have been at the forefront of movements to protect water, land, and sacred sites
Examples: Standing Rock Sioux Tribe's opposition to the Dakota Access Pipeline, Apache Stronghold's efforts to protect Oak Flat in Arizona