WHAT IS AUTONOMOUS AIM?
"Why Two Aim Groups?"
There have always been many questions about the American Indian Movement. This has led to quite a bit of speculation, to say the least. Simply put, AIM is a collective of individuals who support Indian sovereignty, in all its forms. This has taken shape in efforts to physically protect our people, and in achieving recognition of our heritage, from preservation of our ceremonies, to our religions. The people involved, and some of their efforts, have been, at times, nothing short of legendary. From Dennis Banks, Clyde Bellecourt, and the other founding members, to Russell Means, Bob Robideau, and countless others who have sacrificed virtually everything for the People.
Now, one doesn't need to "join" AIM, in order to work for the People. Some choose not to, for various reasons. Others say that whoever works for the people is automatically a part of AIM. As Leonard Peltier says, "Crazy Horse was a member of AIM, Geronimo was a member of AIM."
As for Autonomous AIM, one must understand that there are two theories of thought: One, is that there is only one AIM, that which adheres to the original principles laid down in the late sixties. The other is that there are two separate AIMs. How did this happen? Good Question! Simply put, The Bellecourt brothers, Clyde, and Vernon engaged in behavior that many in AIM disagreed with. This included alternately declaring themselves as "President", or "National Directors" of AIM, without any democratic action, or nomination of any kind; secondly, the establishment of AIM chapters as 501(c) 3 organizations, which included accepting funding from the us government, and corporate america, which AIM had from it's inception, declared it would NEVER do; and lastly, conviction of dealing drugs in the Indian community, in The White Earth Housing projects in Minneapolis, Minnesota. Due to these actions, AIM held two tribunals in ‘93, and ‘94, in which charges against the Bellecourts were brought before an international panel of Indigenous, NON-AIM people. Most charges resulted in guilty verdicts, and the result was the EDGEWOOD DECLARATION declaring the Bellecourts banished from the American Indian Movement. Chapters they have since started and maintained are known as National AIM chapters, with their leadership based in Minnesota. Thus, the two groups one called Autonomous AIM, the other National AIM. As a founding member of this chapter was at the tribunals, we stand by the EDGEWOOD DECLARATION, and have been recognized as an AUTONOMOUS CHAPTER. We do not owe any allegiance to the Bellecourts, nor do we recognize their authority to dictate our actions in our communities. As to the argument about there being one or two AIM groups, we choose not to argue the point. We have stated our beliefs clearly, but will stand by or assist any AIM chapter, which is proactive, doing good deeds for Indian people. The ultimate goal is service to the people, not to political ideologies.
This site owned and maintained by members of the International Confederation of Autonomous Chapters of the American Indian Movement and their supporters. Not affiliated in any way with National AIM aka Grand Governing Council of AIM or the Bellecourts. For general questions about Autonomous AIM, please contact info@americanindianmovement.org. For technical assistance, contact web@autonomousaim.org. The International Confederation of Autonomous Chapters of the American Indian Movement owns the following domains: americanindianmovement.info, americanindianmovement.net, americanindianmovement.org, aimovement.info, aimovement.net, autonomousaim.com, autonomousaim.org, autonomousaim.net, autonomousaim.info, clevelandaim.com, coloradoaim.com.