[New] WOUNDED KNEE 50TH ANNIVERSARY STAND-OFF

On February 27th, 1973, a 71-day stand-off began at Wounded Knee. During this time, around 200 Ogalala Lakota and American Indian Movement (AIM) followers occupied the town of Wounded Knee, SD. The occupation was a result of the desire among Native people that their voices be heard and treaties fulfilled. The town of Wounded Knee was significant because of the massacre that took place there 80 years prior.

The Occupation of Wounded Knee was significant for many reasons. It exposed the suffering of Indigenous people and helped shine a spotlight on injustices. Progress happened in the wake of the Wounded Knee Occupation, including the Indian Religious Freedom Act that Congress passed in 1978. There remains room for growth, and with education and remembrance of these historydefining events, change can happen.

Kevin McKiernan, the writer, producer, and director of the film From Wounded Knee to Standing Rock: A Reporter's Journey, was a rookie reporter for NPR and the Wounded Knee Occupation was his first assignment. Kevin discussed what it was like to be immersed in such a profound event. What he thought would be a quick weekend trip turned into much more. “I expected it to be over in a weekend, you know. I only brought one pair of pants,” says Kevin.

After being snuck into the reservation to evade a news blackout, he recorded film and sound during the standoff – much of it hasn’t been seen or heard before. With over 150 hours of footage and interviews across 11 states and 8 reservations collected, his documentary was an 8-year journey that offers a personal look into what it was like to be involved in the 71-day occupation.