American Indian Movement and Activism

This collection contains digital representations of select documents from the archives of Lenape Elder John Thomas of the Delaware Tribe of Indians. These objects pertain to activism and the American Indian Movement and relate to topics such as self-rule, treaty rights, education, prisons, natural resources, environmental activism and genocide. Items are on loan to Ursinus College as part of the Welcome Home Project.

Special thanks to Ursinus College students Katherine Slater, Class of 2026, and Seamus Clune, Class of 2027, for their assistance with organization, research, digitization and description of these items.

Printing is not supported at the primary Gallery Thumbnail page. Please first navigate to a specific Image before printing.

Switch View to Grid View Slideshow

American Indian Movement 20th Anniversary Conference Reunion Agenda

American Indian Movement

This six-page typed document is an agenda for the American Indian Movement 20th Anniversary Conference, which took place from September 1st to September 6th, 1988, in Fort Snelling State Park, Minnesota. It details the ceremonies, entertainment, reports and speakers for each day and notes topics of concern including health, education, treaty rights and international solidarity. The last page of the document is a conference registration form.
American Indian Movement Self-Determination Week Proclamation

Peter MacDonald Sr.

This one-page typed document is a proclamation from the Navajo Nation declaring that September 4-10, 1988, will be known as "American Indian Movement Self-Determination Week." It discusses how, before 1968 and the establishment of the American Indian Movement, matters regarding Indian education, housing, health, civil rights, and treaty rights were ignored. It lists various programs developed to aid Indian self-determination and mentions the twentieth-anniversary gathering to be held in Minneapolis. The proclamation is signed by Peter MacDonald Sr., Chairman of the Navajo Tribal Council.
In the Spirit of Smohalla: The 12th International Indian Treaty Conference at Celilo Village, Oregon

International Indian Treaty Council

This two-page information pamphlet advertises the 12th International Indian Treaty Conference held June 21-26, 1988, at Celilo Village in Oregon. The conference covers topics such as treaty rights, political prisoners, water and fishing rights, self-government and environmental resources. The pamphlet includes information about the prophet Smohalla, damage to the Columbia River and Celilo Falls, and the imprisonment of salmon fishermen.
Letter From Citizens for Alternatives to Radioactive Dumping, April 13, 1987

Janet Greenwald

This typed and annotated letter from CARD (Citizens for Alternatives to Radioactive Dumping), dated April 13, 1987 outlines strategies for stopping a proposed land withdrawal bill that would earmark land in New Mexico to be used as a dumping site for radioactive waste. The letter calls for more active engagement from citizens and urges them to contact representatives to voice concerns. Included are notes by an unknown author as well as contact information for senators and congressional representatives.
Letter from Mateo Jose Guerrero Flores to William Means, November 8, 1984

Mateo Jose Guerrero Flores

This typed letter to William Means from Mateo Jose Guerrero Flores requests the International Indian Treaty Council (IITC) to cooperate and assist the Nicaraguan government, the United Nations, the International Red Cross and the Inter American Human Rights Commission with problems concerning the Miskito Indians of Central America. He notes that American Indian Movement leader Vernon Bellecourt can provide further details about the project.
Letter from Fernando Colomer to William Means, November 7, 1984

Fernando Colomer

This typed letter to William Means from Rev. Fernando Colomer of the Moravian Church in Nicaragua requests the support of the International Indian Treaty Council. It invites the Council to aid discussions with the Nicaraguan government and find solutions to problems concerning the Miskito Indians including those who are held prisoner in the cities of Managua, Puerto Cabezas and Bluefields.
Report of the International Indian Treaty Council Delegation to Nicaragua

Janice Denny

This original 15-page typed report provides a brief history of United States involvement in Nicaragua and the use of violence against the Nicaraguan people including the Miskito Indians. It also includes a detailed timeline of the International Treaty Council Delegation's activities, travels and meetings during their stay in Nicaragua from November 2 to November 15, 1984.
Dennis Banks: His Seven Years in California

Unknown

This typed document, circa 1983, outlines the activities of Dennis Banks in California from 1976-1982, prior to his move to the Onondaga Reservation in New York. It lists events that Dennis Banks helped organize, such as the first Sun Dance held in California, the "Longest Walk" protest march, the first American Indian International Arts Exposition and the Airlift of food and other supplies to Indians in Arizona and South Dakota. Many of the activities listed are related to Banks' involvement in Deganawidah-Quetzalcoatl University.
1980 Black Hills International Survival Gathering Official Handbook

Black Hills Alliance, Zoltan Grossman, Marvin Kammerer, Michael Dennis, Miners for Safe Energy, South Dakota Resources Coalition, Dakota American Indian Movement, WARN, Randall Forsberg, Douglas Wixson, and International Indian Treaty Council

This thirty-two page illustrated handbook provides information and resources for people attending the Black Hills International Survival Gathering in 1980. Included are guidelines, maps, lists of speakers and guests, schedules of events, and articles on topics such as health, self-sufficiency and alternative energy solutions.
Revolution and American Indians: Marxism is as Alien to My Culture as Capitalism and Christianity

Russell Means

A sixteen page typed and annotated copy of a speech delivered by American Indian Movement activist Russell Means at the Black Hills International Survival Gathering in South Dakota in 1980. In this speech, Means attacks Marxism as simply another in a long line of European thought that opposes the natural order by exploiting Mother Earth and destroying Indigenous peoples.
Warning of Genocide, April 22, 1980

East Village Organization for a Kinder Earth and Respect and Protect our Natural and Spiritual Environments

This 4-page report titled "Warning of Genocide" discusses not only the definition of genocide, but also explains directly how the United States participated in the genocide of Indigenous people. Violations include: contamination of natural resources, sterilization, forced relocation and schooling, and invasion of protected reservation lands. The report calls for people to respond, act and resist and provides a list of organizations to support.
Letter From William A. Means to Miguel d'Escoto Brockmann, April 4, 1980

William A. Means

This handwritten letter from William A. Means to the FSLN's Minister of Foreign Affairs urges him to send representatives to two conventions: The International Indian Treaty Conference in Montana and the Black Hills International Survival Gathering in South Dakota. He hopes that the Sandinistas will contribute documentation of the exploitation of the land and people of Nicaragua. Means also requests scholarships for students to study in Nicaragua.
Heart of the Earth: Survival News

Federation of Native Controlled Survival Schools, Laura Waterman Wittstock, Elaine Martin Salinas, Janet McCloud, and Heart of the Earth Survival School Students

This sixteen page newsletter was produced by the Heart of the Earth Survival School in Minneapolis in 1980. This issue contains articles on Clyde Bellecourt, education of Indian men in Stillwater prison and St. Cloud Reformatory School, political prisoners, and the case of Rita Silk Nauni. It also prints poetry from students and provides information about the Women of All Red Nations (WARN) health study and the Black Hills International Survival Gathering.
Women of All Red Nations Fact Sheet Packet

WARN, Lakota Harden, JoAnn Janis Battese, Marcy Gilbert, Mabel Ann Chasing Hawk, and Margie Bowker

This fact sheet packet, distributed by Women of All Red Nations (WARN), provides information and activity reports on a number of different topics including uranium mining and radiation, water rights and contamination, anti-draft information and the rights of prisoners. It includes reports from the South Dakota Penitentiary in Sioux Falls, the "Great Sioux Nation Meeting" in Pierre and the 36th Session of the Human Rights Commission in Geneva, Switzerland. The packet was distributed circa April 1980.
International Indian Treaty Council Address on Decolonization

International Indian Treaty Council

This three-page typed Address on Decolonization was presented by the International Indian Treaty Council to the United Nations Human Rights Commission in March, 1980. It states that the declaration on the Granting of Independence to Colonial Countries and Peoples, adopted by the UN General Assembly in 1960, has not been applied to the Indian peoples oppressed by the United States of America. It lists various ways Indians have been victimized by the US government and provides recommended actions to the United Nations including an investigation of genocidal policies and an examination of the treaties made between the US government and Indian nations.
Red Hawk Native American Support Group Benefit for Survival Flyer

Oowah Nah Chasing Bear, Julie Zimmer, and Carol Rae Jones

This typed flyer, circa 1980, advertises a Benefit for Native American Survival at the Vogue Night Club in Indianapolis, Indiana, on February 16th. It provides contact information for support groups in Bainbridge, Bloomington and Indianapolis and notes that grassroots groups will be in attendance. The benefit concert includes reggae and blues music.
Health Hazards of Uranium Mining & Milling

Black Hills Alliance

This report, distributed by the Black Hills Alliance of South Dakota, provides information about the dangers posed by uranium mining and milling including contaminated water, cancer risks from radon gas and dewatering of aquifers. It lists alternative sources of power such as wind and solar panels and notes that the Black Hills Survival Gathering will offer information and workshops to help people reduce their dependency on non-renewable energy sources.
The International Indian Treaty Council Pamphlet

International Indian Treaty Council

This pamphlet, published by the International Indian Treaty Council circa 1980, provides information about the history and founding of the organization which represents 98 Indian nations in the Western Hemisphere at the United Nations and in the international community. It describes the organization's efforts at the United Nations, special projects and current activities. It also provides information about affiliated organizations and a catalogue of available publications.
Dick Marshall New Trial Petition Form

Dick Marshall Defense Group

This one-page typed document, circa 1980, is a petition to the South Dakota State Supreme Court for Dick Marshall to receive a new trial. Dick Marshall, an Oglala Lakotah, was imprisoned on a charge of first-degree murder, but later a witness retracted her original testimony, stating she was pressured to accuse Marshall by the FBI. This petition proclaims the innocence of Marshall and demands a retrial.
Free Dick Marshall Flyer

Dick Marshall Defense Group

This typed flyer, circa 1980, was produced by the Dick Marshall Defense Group. It provides details and background on the case, stating that Dick Marshall was wrongfully convicted of first-degree murder because of his activism at Pine Ridge Reservation in South Dakota from 1972-1976, making him a target of the federal government. It encourages people to donate to the defense fund and participate in a letter-writing campaign demanding a new trial.
Iraq Lecture Text for the Gathering of International Liberation Movements, 1980

Students in the Line of the Imam

This typed five-page Iraqi lecture text was given at the Gathering of World Liberation Movements held in Tehran, Iran, from January 3rd to 9th, 1980. It expresses solidarity and support for the Islamic Revolution in Iran, the Imam Khomeini and the Iranian Moslem Students. The speech condemns the actions of the United States and recognizes the constitution prepared by the Iranian Assembly of Experts. It also expresses opposition to the Ba'athist Party in Iraq and urges coordination between Moslem revolutionary movements and the formation of an international Mostazafan Party.
Plan of Action Drafted at the Second International Conference in Solidarity with the Independence of Puerto Rico

Independence for Puerto Rico Conference

This two-page typed draft plan of action was written at the Second International Conference in Solidarity with the Independence of Puerto Rico, held in Mexico City November 30th to December 2nd, 1979. It provides fourteen points of agreement which outline a plan of action for the international community to better support the cause of independence for Puerto Rico. This includes the desire to recognize Puerto Rico as a Caribbean country with ties to the Latin American family of nations.
Trinidad and Tobago Peace Council Statement

Executive Committee, Trinidad and Tobago Peace Council

This typed document from the Trinidad and Tobago Peace Council delegation likely originates from the International Conference in Solidarity with the Independence of Puerto Rico, held in Mexico City November 30th to December 2nd, 1979. The statement condemns United States imperialism and expresses support for independence movements in Puerto Rico and other countries around the world. It notes that the "Puerto Rican model of development" is threatening the independence of Trinidad and Tobago and others in the Caribbean.
Itinerary of Cultural Activities: Second International Conference in Solidarity with Independence for Puerto Rico, 1979

Independence for Puerto Rico Conference

This two-page typed document is an itinerary of cultural activities at the Second International Conference in Solidarity with Independence for Puerto Rico, held in Mexico City from November 27th to December 2nd, 1979. Events included roundtable discussions on topics related to Puerto Rican culture and politics, a radio program and art exhibitions.
Statement of the U.S. Delegation to the Second International Conference in Solidarity with the Independence of Puerto Rico

United States Delegation Members

This four-page typed document is a statement from the United States delegation presented at the Second International Conference in Solidarity with the Independence of Puerto Rico, held in Mexico City November 30th to December 2nd, 1979. It provides a history of U.S. colonial rule in Puerto Rico and the negative impacts this has had on its people. It also discusses the role of propaganda in the U.S. which has kept many ignorant of U.S. imperialism and states the importance of educating the American people.

The document may be incomplete.