NPR

50 Years After Mount Rushmore Occupation, Native Americans Are 'Still Fighting'

Fifty years ago this summer, a group of Native American activists scaled the top of the monument and occupied the area for months to demand the land be returned to the Sioux.
Several Native American groups are expected to protest President Trump and the Fourth of July fireworks show at Mount Rushmore. (Scott Olson/Getty Images)

Native American groups are protesting President Trump's Fourth of July celebration at Mount Rushmore on Friday, and some are even calling for the removal of the national monument.

Fifty years ago this summer, the sounds of protest were also ringing through the Black Hills of South Dakota. In 1970, a group of Native American activists scaled Mount Rushmore

You’re reading a preview, subscribe to read more.

More from NPR

NPR3 min read
There's Still A Chance To See The Northern Lights From Lower Latitudes
The solar storm that's pushing sightings of the Northern Lights to lower latitudes is forecast to continue into the coming days, but its impact has likely peaked.
NPR4 min read
Israel Expands Evacuation Orders In Rafah As Aid Groups Struggle To Prepare
Israel's military issued new evacuation orders in Gaza's southernmost city of Rafah, forcing even more Palestinians to relocate on Saturday ahead of a likely expanded ground operation there.
NPR5 min read
The Met Gala Has Fueled Backlash Against Stars Who Are Silent About The Gaza Conflict
A fast-growing social media campaign to block stars for not speaking out escalated this week after the star-studded New York event.

Related Books & Audiobooks