Summary of "The Heartbeat of Wounded Knee" Episode on On the Media

Introduction: Reframing Indigenous Narratives

The On the Media podcast, hosted by Brooke Gladstone and Micah Loewinger, delves into the complex histories and contemporary issues faced by Indigenous peoples in the United States. In the episode titled "The Heartbeat of Wounded Knee," released on October 12, 2022, they engage with David Troyer, an Ojibwe professor of literature at the University of Southern California and author of The Heartbeat of Wounded Native America: From 1890 to the Present. Troyer seeks to provide a counter-narrative to the often tragic portrayal of Native American history, emphasizing resilience and resurgence over loss and oppression.

The Ghost Dance Movement and the Massacre at Wounded Knee

The conversation begins with a historical overview of the Ghost Dance movement and the subsequent massacre at Wounded Knee. Troyer explains how the Ghost Dance was misinterpreted and militarized by the government, leading to unnecessary violence.

Troyer: “The Ghost Dance was a religion that was growing around the Pine Ridge Agency... almost immediately, the government opened fire with Hotchkiss cannons on largely unarmed men, women, and children.” ([02:14])

He describes the massacre as a symbolic end to centuries of strained relations between colonists and Indigenous peoples, underscoring the brutality and misunderstanding that characterized these interactions.

Challenging "Bury My Heart at Wounded Knee"

Troyer discusses the impact of Dee Brown's Bury My Heart at Wounded Knee, a seminal work that has shaped public perception of American Indian history. While acknowledging its significance, Troyer critiques it for portraying Indigenous life predominantly as one of suffering.

Troyer: “I was in search of a different story... we were very low, but we were not done. And since that point, we've been doing so many amazing things with such energy and intelligence.” ([04:40])

He emphasizes the need for narratives that highlight Native American achievements and resilience, moving beyond the narrative of perpetual victimhood.

Indian Activism in the 1960s-70s: Alcatraz and Wounded Knee

The discussion transitions to pivotal moments of Indigenous activism, such as the Occupation of Alcatraz (1969) and the Trail of Broken Treaties (1972). Troyer narrates how these events thrust Native issues into the national spotlight, despite their mixed outcomes.

Troyer: “The Alcatraz occupation... was meant to raise the consciousness of most Americans to not only our plight but our continued existence.” ([06:00])

He also reflects on the 1973 Wounded Knee Siege, highlighting its complexities and the internal conflicts within the American Indian Movement (AIM).

Troyer: “Inside Wounded Knee, all sorts of dark and awful things were happening... But once again, what they did do was keep the issue of Native life and Native lives in the national consciousness.” ([11:04])

Legislative Advances of the 1970s

Despite the turmoil, the 1970s saw significant legislative progress for Indigenous communities. Troyer outlines key laws that improved education and religious freedoms for Native Americans.

Troyer: “In 1978, Carter signed into law the American Indian Religious Freedom Act... this had an incredible effect.” ([12:36])

He credits activism for bringing these issues to the forefront, leading to tangible benefits for Native communities.

The Movement to Replace Columbus Day with Indigenous Peoples Day

The episode explores the origins and evolution of the movement to rename Columbus Day to Indigenous Peoples Day. Troyer connects this shift to the broader multicultural awakening of the early 1990s.

Troyer: “1992 was the cresting of the multicultural wave... and we were all finding common cause as we looked back at 500 years of colonialism.” ([13:17])

He criticizes efforts by foreign governments to celebrate Columbus in ways that ignore the suffering caused by colonialism, highlighting the determination of Native activists to reclaim their narrative.

Standing Rock: A Modern Struggle

Jumping to more recent events, Troyer analyzes the Standing Rock protests, addressing misconceptions and emphasizing the systemic issues behind the opposition to the Dakota Access Pipeline.

Troyer: “The original sin is that the government broke its treaty obligations... This is a story of local communities against capitalism, not cowboys versus Indians.” ([16:49])

He critiques the simplistic "us versus them" narratives, arguing that the true conflict lies in governmental prioritization of private property over treaty rights and environmental stewardship.

Reimagining Native American Narratives

Concluding the conversation, Troyer articulates his vision for a new narrative that celebrates Indigenous strength, creativity, and resilience.

Troyer: “Indian lives are lives of full of plenty... It's a story of surplus. That's the story I want to tell.” ([20:01])

He advocates for stories that acknowledge injustices while also highlighting the vibrant and dynamic aspects of Native American communities today.

Conclusion: A Call for Comprehensive Understanding

On the Media underscores the importance of nuanced storytelling in understanding Indigenous histories and current struggles. Through David Troyer's insights, the episode encourages listeners to move beyond one-dimensional narratives and recognize the enduring spirit and contributions of Native American peoples.

Notable Quotes:

• Troyer on Ghost Dance Misinterpretation:
  “The Ghost Dance was a religion that was growing around the Pine Ridge Agency... almost immediately, the government opened fire with Hotchkiss cannons on largely unarmed men, women, and children.” ([02:14])

• Troyer on "Bury My Heart at Wounded Knee":
  “I was in search of a different story... we were very low, but we were not done.” ([04:40])

• Troyer on Alcatraz Occupation:
  “The Alcatraz occupation... was meant to raise the consciousness of most Americans to not only our plight but our continued existence.” ([06:00])

• Troyer on Legislative Advances:
  “In 1978, Carter signed into law the American Indian Religious Freedom Act... this had an incredible effect.” ([12:36])

• Troyer on Reimagining Narratives:
  “Indian lives are lives of full of plenty... It's a story of surplus. That's the story I want to tell.” ([20:01])

About David Troyer

David Troyer, an Ojibwe from the Leech Lake Reservation in Minnesota, serves as a professor of literature at the University of Southern California. He is a novelist and the author of The Heartbeat of Wounded Knee: Native America from 1890 to the Present, where he endeavors to reshape the narrative surrounding Native American history and contemporary life.

For more insightful discussions and in-depth coverage, visit On the Media and tune into their Big Show on Fridays.