Liberation Day draws community together

NORTH RAPID CITY — Dakota AIM Grassroots hosted AIM Liberation Day in collaboration with Wambli Ska on Saturday at North Middle School on Maple Avenue. The event commemorated the 53rd anniversary of the Feb. 27, 1973, occupation of Wounded Knee, South Dakota.

The American Indian Movement (AIM), a grassroots advocacy organization founded in Minneapolis in 1968, was established to address systemic injustices such as police brutality, poverty, and discrimination against urban Native people. The movement quickly grew into a national force, expanding its focus to include tribal sovereignty, restoration of treaty rights, and the preservation of Native American language, culture, and spirituality. AIM frequently used direct action to draw national attention, including the 71-day occupation of Wounded Knee.

Over time, AIM transitioned into a more decentralized network of local chapters. Dakota AIM Grassroots is one such chapter and is a lead organizer of the annual Liberation Wacipi and Liberation Day Walk.

Wambli Ska Executive Director Christ White Eagle (Cheyenne River Sioux Tribe) said the event featured speakers who discussed the significance of the day and its lasting impact. “It’s important to remember and honor those who fought for our rights,” White Eagle said, noting that the 1973 standoff marked an important inflection point for Native American rights.

“The people were getting terrorized and pushed around,” said Jonathan Old Horse (Oglala Lakota), a pastor and resident. “All of the things that we are dealing with in 2026, it is the same story. The people just wanted equality and equity, and they were tired of being intimidated. During that reign of terror, they had finally had enough.”

Old Horse said the positive changes resulting from the movement are still felt today. “We can have long hair. We can practice our culture without being ashamed. It’s small things, but they were not available back then,” he said. While the challenges can feel daunting, Old Horse emphasized the importance of thinking about the next seven generations. “Every generation is getting stronger and stronger.”

White Eagle said the event also reflects his ongoing work in North Rapid City. “This is also a day about North Rapid City,” he said. “All my work here is focused on the North Side. We are able to bring Liberation Day here and remember ’73.”

He also spoke about the cultural importance of the powwow, or Wacipi, which is traditionally a celebration through dance. “Look at everyone socializing,” White Eagle said. “That’s one of the big things about powwows — everybody gets to come together. It’s an opportunity for us to celebrate with our families and friends, especially after winter, which can be depressing when we don’t get to socialize as much.”

As he looked across the gym in preparation for grand entry, children played while dancers adjusted regalia and drums arrived to warm up. Saturday’s celebration featured several special dances and royalty crowning ceremonies.

“It’s a beautiful day,” White Eagle said, noting the sunny, mild weather. “We get to come together, share a meal, hear those songs and that drumbeat. I think that’s huge.”

The annual observance includes Liberation Day, the Liberation Walk — a memorial march to Wounded Knee honoring those who stood there in 1973 and 1890 — and a community celebration. Liberation Day itself features traditional dancing and singing, vendors, and a buffalo feed to honor the “warriors” of the movement.

(Contact Marnie Cook at cookm8715@gmail.com)

The post Liberation Day draws community together first appeared on Native Sun News Today.

Visit Original Source