American Indian Movement founded 50 years ago

Nothing changed the face of Indigenous people and their culture like the American Indian Movement, founded in 50 years ago on July 11, 1968 in Minneapolis, Minn. Three Ojibwa Indians and graduates of “Indian finishing school”—the Minnesota State Penitentiary—were Clyde Bellecourt, Dennis Banks, and George Mitchell were the first leading figures. Other important early members included Eddie Benton Banai, Vernon Bellecourt, and later Russell Means. John Trudell served as national media spokesperson.

The beginnings of AIM in Minnesota were rooted in efforts to combat police brutality in Minneapolis, but it quickly expanded and committed itself to uniting all Indigenous persons to uplift their communities, and promote cultural pride and sovereignty.

http://www.peoplesworld.org/article/american-indian-movement-founded-50-years-ago/