In Washington, the fingerprints on the hands
allow the BIA to identify the woman as AIM activist
Anna Mae Aquash. At the demand of her family, a
second autopsy is performed. It reveals that Aquash
was shot point-blank at the base of her skull. Many
accuse the FBI of murdering Aquash; others suggest
that she was killed by AIM members who believed
that she was spying on AIM for the FBI. (See also
entry for FEBRUARY 6, 2004.)
April 16
United National Indian Tribal Youth is
incorporated.
Growing out of programs for Indian youth di-
rected by Cherokee J. R. Cook, United National
Indian Tribal Youth (UNITY) is incorporated in
Oklahoma as a first step toward becoming a na-
tional organization. UNITY’s goal is to raise the
self-esteem of young Indians by involving them in
community service projects and celebrations of Na-
tive American heritage.
May 29
The Major Crimes Act is amended.
The Major Crimes Act (see entry for MARCH 3,
1885) established that an Indian who commits a
major crime on a reservation will be tried in federal
court, rather than tribal court. Congress amends the
act to add five new offenses (kidnapping, statutory
rape, incest, assault with intent to commit rape, and
assault with a deadly weapon) to the list of major
crimes cited in the original legislation.
July 16
Bob Robideau and Dino Butler are
acquitted of charges in the Pine Ridge
shooting.
In Cedar Rapids, Iowa, American Indian Move-
ment members Bob Robideau and Darrelle “Dino”
Butler stand trial in the shooting deaths of two FBI
agents on the Pine Ridge Reservation (see entry
for JUNE 26, 1975). The defendants both admit
to shooting at the agents, but their lawyers argue
that they did so in self-defense. The defense theory
holds that, based on the FBI’s thuggish conduct on
the reservation, Robideau and Butler were reason-
able in fearing for their lives when confronted with
armed agents. An all-white jury agrees and acquits
the men both of murder and of aiding and abetting
murder.September 16The Indian Health Care Improvement Act
is passed.
Recognizing that the “health status of the Indi-
ans is far below that of the general population of
the United States,” Congress passes the Indian
Health Care Improvement Act. The legislation
substantially increases federal funding for health
facilities, including clinics and hospitals, in In-
dian communities. In keeping with the policy of
Self-determination, the act encourages Indians to
participate in their health care programs. One of
the most significant provisions establishes special
scholarships for Indians for education and training
in health care professions.NovemberThe first Indian National Finals Rodeo is
held.
Rodeo fans gather in Albuquerque, New Mexico,
to see the first Indian National Finals Rodeo.
The rodeo will become an annual event, bring-
ing together the best of the 2,000 contestants who
compete in the some 150 regional all-Indian rodeos
held throughout North America.1977The American Indian Science and
Engineering Society is founded.
Andy Anderson, a Mohawk engineer, calls the
first meeting of the American Indian Science and
Engineering Society in Wind Rock, Arizona. The