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.
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 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 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 20, 1974 - Sacheen Littlefeather, the actress who refused Marlon Brando’s Oscar for him, comes to St. Paul to show support for Russell Means and Dennis Banks. She says people don’t remember the times of revolution in 1776 when they were also searching for justice, forgot Bill of Rights and Constitution are for all people. When you equate “Indian” with “savage” it’s like other racial epithets, this has no place in today’s films or on TV. We have to teach children respect for all people. Schoolbooks are antiquated, eliminate contributions of the Indian, need reawakening about minority groups so we can learn about people because world getting smaller. She talks about over 400 unkept treaties, There are many ways to be militant, can be militant with love, kindness, showing humanity, doesn’t have to be with a gun or profanity, can be showing you care. She says she risked her life at the Academy Awards, she was beaten and harrassed and had armed guards for protection, was not a publicity stunt.
February 18, 1974 - Kevin McKiernan on the Pine Ridge election and aftermath. Part of the Wounded Knee Reports.
February 5, 1974 - Voices from the Reservation (Part Two). Comments by residents of the Pine Ridge Reservation in South Dakota on the Wounded Knee occupation in 1973 and the coming tribal election (7 February 1974) between Russell Means and Richard Wilson. Kevin McKiernan reports.
February 4, 1974 - Voices from the Reservation (Part One). Differing viewpoints from Ogalala Sioux residents of the Pine Ridge Reservation who have been divided over the occupation of Wounded Knee in the Spring of 1973 are shared. Kevin McKiernan reports.
January 18, 1974 - Judge Nichol instructed 30 prospective Wounded Knee jurors not to read or listen to news on the trial, nor talk to anyone about it. Russell Means and Dennis Banks are charged with breaking and entering, stealing guns and a car, obstructing justice, blocking roads and firing guns at federal agents. They are also charged with conspiracy to break the law.
January 17, 1974 - A spokesperson says Lutheran Church executive, Dr. Paul Boe, refuses to testify at Wounded Knee trial.