The American Indian Movement (AIM)

Question

Use these sources to help you answer Question 7 below.

Secondary Source:
"In 1953, the U.S. government changed its Native American policies again. This time, it decided to stop providing support to Native American communities and to end protection of Native American reservation lands. This change resulted in the relocation of many Native Americans to cities, where they suffered from poverty, unemployment, loss of culture, and discriminating practices. In response, in 1968, a group of activists—including Dennis Banks, Clyde Bellecourt, Eddie Benton Banai, and George Mitchell—founded the American Indian Movement (AIM) in Minneapolis." (Unit 4 Lesson 4)

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"At first, AIM focused on the problems facing American Indians in the Twin Cities area. It formed citizen patrols to monitor police and make sure they didn’t harass, or mistreat, American Indians. It found lawyers to assist those who had been arrested. It helped native people find jobs. Soon, however, AIM started shifting its focus. The organization began to lead mass demonstrations across the country. By the 1970s, AIM was leading a national movement with national goals. It did this by confronting the federal government. AIM tried to force the government to respect American Indian sovereignty and to live up to promises made in treaties with American Indian nations." (Kenney, Dave. Northern Lights: The Stories of Minnesota's Past, 2013, Minnesota Historical Society)

7. Why was the American Indian Movement (AIM) founded (started)?

A. AIM wanted to help native people in the Twin Cities who were experiencing police harassment and job discrimination.
B. AIM wanted to help young people get jobs in the government.
C. AIM wanted to take back land and make all of Minnesota a location for native people only.

Answer 1

A. AIM wanted to help native people in the Twin Cities who were experiencing police harassment and job discrimination.

Answer 2

Are you 100% sure?

Answer 3

Yes, according to the sources provided, the American Indian Movement (AIM) was founded in response to the government's change in Native American policies in 1953, which resulted in the relocation of many Native Americans to cities where they faced poverty, unemployment, loss of culture, and discrimination. AIM was founded with the initial focus on addressing the problems facing American Indians in the Twin Cities area, including police harassment, mistreatment, and job discrimination. Therefore, the correct answer is:

A. AIM wanted to help native people in the Twin Cities who were experiencing police harassment and job discrimination.