Sunday marks the 134th anniversary of the Wounded Knee Massacre, a brutal event in which hundreds of Indigenous Lakota Sioux people, including women and children, were slaughtered by the 7th Cavalry on December 29, 1890. Major General Nelson Miles described the massacre as one of the most brutal and cold-blooded in history. The Pentagon recently announced a review of 20 Medals of Honor awarded to soldiers who took part in the massacre. The Defense Secretary has directed a panel to present recommendations, although these have not yet been announced.
The massacre occurred after growing tensions between the Lakota people, who were suffering from the destruction of their culture and lands by white settlers, and the U.S. government who viewed their Ghost Dance ritual as a threat. The arrival of the 7th Cavalry led to a confrontation that resulted in the deaths of hundreds of Lakota. Initial investigations of the event excused the killings as unintentional, despite evidence suggesting otherwise.
Wounded Knee became a rallying cry for Indigenous rights, culminating in a 1973 standoff between members of the American Indian Movement and federal agents at the site. This event brought attention to Native American struggles, particularly during the 1973 Oscars when actress Sacheen Littlefeather spoke out against the mistreatment of American Indians in the film industry on behalf of Marlon Brando. The Wounded Knee Massacre remains a dark chapter in American history, highlighting the need to acknowledge past injustices and work towards healing and reconciliation.
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