February 27, 1974 - Henry 'Big Boy' Senior was chosen to sing the special song, "Tribute to a Fallen Warrior" as those who had fallen at Wounded Knee were remembered. The Wounded Knee cemetery draws many to remember those lost. The gravesites bear a large American flag and artificial flowers. Food and other offerings were placed on the flag as an offering. The BIA stated they would not interfere with the memorial, so long as no laws were broken. 60 BIA officers were imported to Pine Ridge Reservation to supplement the local forces for the event, but they were not needed.
February 27, 1974 - One year after Wounded Knee Occupation, MPR’s Kevin McKiernan presents audio excerpts that provide a powerful aural experience from inside the South Dakota village during the Wounded Knee Occupation on the day of Buddy Lamont’s death. A journalistic rarity of this impactful moment.
February 28, 1974 - In court this afternoon: Gary Thomas' testimony. Thomas is the OEO lawyer from Pine Ridge. Arguments were made over his testimony from last Feb. 27. Thomas' testimony was ruled admissible. Thomas described what he saw and heard at Wounded Knee, which included: Weapons, indian head dresses, and gunfire. On Feb 28 1973 Thomas said he'd been told he had 10 to 12 hrs to leave reservation or he'd be killed. Outside court, attorney Mark Lane says Thomas that had witnessed an assault on Russell Means by two goons in a parking lot, is their strongest evidence.
February 28, 1974 - A memorial for original Wounded Knee Massacre and recent standoff a year ago was held. A speech was given by Gladys Bissinet. Invocations were in the Lakota language, with a tribute to Frank Clearwater and Buddy Lamont. A Pow wow was held. Many attending had been in original occupation, and cars had bumper stickers with: 'Survivors: Wounded Knee, 1973'. Speeches from reservations leaders were also given. Gladys Bissinett: "Today is a big day for the Oglala. They have tried to keep us down like our ancestors when they unarmed them and mowed them down like they were animals. We stood up a year ago today on our own reservation. We know lives haven't been laid down in vain. We have stood up for each and every Indian in the U.S." Supplemental police were on hand but weren't needed, as it was quiet and peaceful vigil.
March 1, 1974 - Mother of Dennis Banks says a prayer on behalf of the women of Wounded Knee.
March 2, 1974 - Minnesota legislator Allan Spear details the three things no-fault divorce bill does…changes terminology (words have less of a fault connotation than traditional terms); removes requirement for corroborating witnesses; and removes current grounds for divorce (substitutes single ground, irretrievable breakdown of marriage relationship).
March 4, 1974 - Richard Banks and Russell Means are the first of six AIM leaders to be tried in St. Paul on felony indictments stemming from last year's 71 day occupation. The so-called Non-Leadership Case is scheduled for trial in South Dakota may number at least 130. On the stand today for his 2nd day of testimony is government witness Father Charles Manheart, pastor of the Sacred Heart Catholic Church in Wounded Knee.
March 4, 1974 - MPR’s Gary Eichten reports on Minnesota State Senator Allan Spear's no-fault divorce bill. Spear sees it as is a compromise measure, which only deals with grounds for divorce. Traditional grounds replaced by "irretrievable breakdown of marriage" and other terms also changed.
March 5, 1974 -
March 6, 1974 - A local writer reflects on the importance of mentorship and community, as well as approaching writing as a craft at the Twin Cities Writer's Workshop conference.