Pine Ridge Indian Reservation
Quick Summary
The Pine Ridge Indian Reservation is located in southwestern South Dakota, United States. It is the site of two significant historical conflicts between Native Americans and the U.S. federal government: the Wounded Knee Massacre in 1890 and the occupation of Wounded Knee in 1973.1
In 1890, approximately 150-300 Lakota people were killed by U.S. troops during the Wounded Knee Massacre, an event that marked the end of federal military campaigns against Plains Indians. This occurred as the Lakota were influenced by the Ghost Dance religion, which promised a return of native lands and buffalo.1
In 1973, members of the American Indian Movement (AIM) occupied Wounded Knee, demanding changes in tribal leadership, a review of treaties, and an investigation into the treatment of Native Americans. This led to a siege by federal marshals, which ended with a promise of negotiations. The reservation has also been impacted by federal development projects like the Pick-Sloan plan, which flooded Native American lands.12
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