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.
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[CHANTING] KEVIN MCKIERNAN: Brief religious ceremonies were held yesterday afternoon in Wounded Knee, commemorating the start of the 1973 occupation. More than 200 gathered in the village cemetery to pay homage to the victims of the 1890 massacre and to honor those Indians who died in Wounded Knee last year during that 71-day siege. At the gravesite, Chief Frank Fools Crow and traditional Sioux headsmen gave solemn invocations in their Lakota language, paying tribute to Frank Clearwater and Buddy Lamont.
Clearwater was shot last April 17th, Lamont on the 27th of April. Ted Means, brother of AIM leader Russell Means, spoke in English, urging those in attendance to carry out the cause for which the two men had died. Following the services, a feast and powwow were held in the Porcupine Community Hall several miles north of Wounded Knee.
There were many of those in attendance who had been in the original occupying force inside the village of Wounded Knee, and many of the approximately 75 cars in the meeting hall parking lot bore bumper stickers which said, "Survivors, Wounded Knee, 1973." One indication, perhaps, of the temper of the reunion in progress inside the hall.
After a dinner, some dancing, and much drumming came a series of speeches from reservation leaders Among them, one from Gladys Janice Bissonette, a founder of the Oglala Sioux Civil Rights Organization, an organization which was a major catalyst behind last year's occupation.
GLADYS JANICE BISSONETTE: Brothers and sisters, friends and relatives, today is a big day for the Oglala. They have tried to prevent us in every way. Scare us, shoot at us. They have tried to keep us down like they did our ancestors when they unarmed them and mowed them down like they were animals. They have tried everything.
But, brothers and sisters, we have stood up on our two feet a year ago today, and we stood up on our own reservation so nobody could say get off or get out. And I can't say it was luck that brought us out of Wounded Knee. There's a lot of boys and girls here that are recognized, and it makes me very happy to know that we are all here together again except for two or three. It's sad, but we know they haven't laid down their lives in vain.
The people of this reservation should realize that the occupation of Wounded Knee is not to scare anybody out of their homes. This is what I understand the BIA and the tribal governing body is putting into their mouths to say against us, but they don't realize that stood up in Wounded Knee have stood up for each and every Indian throughout this United States.
[APPLAUSE]
KEVIN MCKIERNAN: Richard Wilson, reservation tribal president, remained in Pine Ridge Village Wednesday. Earlier, he had outlawed the anniversary memorial, but softened his position later when Bureau of Indian Affairs officials stated that they would not interfere with lawful demonstrations. However, a contingent of 60 Bureau of Indian Affairs policemen from other reservations were on hand to supplement local officers in the event of an outbreak.
They were not needed. No violence was initiated by or against those in observance of the religious services. It was a quiet, peaceful vigil. This is Kevin McKiernan on the Pine Ridge Indian Reservation in South Dakota.
[CHANTING]