The Lakota Sioux's 20th-Century Struggle Under Colonization

Abstract

This paper explores the enduring struggle of the Lakota Sioux against systemic injustices imposed by the United States government, tracing their resistance from the late 19th century to contemporary times. By examining pivotal events such as the Treaty of Fort Laramie (1868), the unlawful annexation of the Black Hills (1877), the Wounded Knee Incident (1973), and the landmark Supreme Court case United States v. Sioux Nation of Indians (1980), this study highlights the persistent violations of treaties, forced removals, and political marginalization faced by the Lakota people. The analysis extends to current challenges, such as barriers to political participation, which continue to hinder Native American communities. This paper argues that the Lakota Sioux's history is a testament to their resilience and a broader reflection of Native American resistance to ongoing oppression. Through this examination, the paper underscores the importance of addressing historical injustices to understand the current sociopolitical struggles of Indigenous peoples in the United States.

Keywords: Lakota Sioux, Indigenous rights, Treaty of Fort Laramie, Black Hills annexation, Wounded Knee Incident, United States v. Sioux Nation of Indians, Native American history, Manifest Destiny, colonialism, systemic injustice, political marginalization

JEL Classification: F21, F23, H25, H73, H87