The Battle of Wounded Knee, a pivotal moment in U.S. history, remains a contentious topic over a century later.
Published On 27 Sep 2025
The National Congress of American Indians (NCAI) has issued a strong condemnation of a recent Pentagon decision to uphold the military honors awarded to U.S. soldiers involved in the 1890 Battle of Wounded Knee. This event, often referred to as a massacre, has long been a focal point of historical debate regarding the treatment of Native Americans in the United States.
“Celebrating war crimes is not patriotic. This decision undermines truth-telling, reconciliation, and the healing that Indian Country and the United States still need,” stated Larry Wright Jr., the executive director of the NCAI, in a statement released on Saturday.
The Decision and Its Implications
In a video posted on social media platform X, U.S. Secretary of Defense Pete Hegseth announced that a review panel had recommended allowing the soldiers to retain their medals, a conclusion reached in a study completed last year. Hegseth emphasized that this decision is final, asserting, “We’re making it clear that they deserve those medals. Their place in our nation’s history is no longer up for debate.”
Hegseth criticized his predecessor for not making a similar decision, suggesting that the former defense secretary prioritized political correctness over historical accuracy. This statement reflects a broader trend in contemporary politics, where historical narratives are often contested and reinterpreted.
Historical Context of the Battle
The Battle of Wounded Knee occurred on December 29, 1890, in South Dakota, marking a tragic chapter in U.S. history. During this confrontation, U.S. soldiers killed and wounded over 300 Lakota Sioux men, women, and children. This event is widely regarded as the culmination of the Indian Wars, a series of conflicts that resulted in the forced relocation of Native Americans to reservations and the loss of their ancestral lands.
In the years following the massacre, the U.S. government has made various attempts to address the historical injustices faced by Native Americans. In 1990, Congress passed a resolution expressing “deep regret” for the conflict, acknowledging the historic significance of the massacre and offering condolences to the Sioux people and the descendants of the victims.
Contemporary Reactions and the Pentagon’s Stance
The Pentagon’s recent decision has reignited discussions about the legacy of Wounded Knee and the broader implications of military honors awarded for actions that many view as morally indefensible. Critics argue that upholding these medals sends a troubling message about the U.S. government’s acknowledgment of its historical wrongs.
Hegseth’s tenure has been marked by a focus on curtailing diversity, equity, and inclusion initiatives within the military. Since taking office, he has ended commemorations of identity months, including Native American History Month and Black History Month. Earlier this year, the Pentagon faced backlash for briefly removing online references to the Navajo Code Talkers, who played a crucial role in World War II by developing an unbreakable code that aided Allied forces.
The Path to Reconciliation
The ongoing debate surrounding the Wounded Knee decision highlights the complexities of reconciling historical narratives with contemporary values. Many advocates for Native American rights argue that true reconciliation requires not only acknowledgment of past atrocities but also tangible actions to address the ongoing impacts of colonization and systemic injustice.
As the U.S. grapples with its historical legacy, the voices of Native Americans and their allies continue to call for a more honest reckoning with the past. The NCAI’s condemnation of the Pentagon’s decision serves as a reminder that the wounds of history are still felt today and that the path to healing is fraught with challenges.
Conclusion
The Pentagon’s decision to uphold the medals awarded to soldiers involved in the Wounded Knee Massacre has sparked renewed outrage and debate over the historical treatment of Native Americans. As the nation reflects on its past, the call for truth-telling and reconciliation remains urgent. The NCAI’s strong response underscores the need for a more nuanced understanding of history, one that honors the experiences and perspectives of those who have been marginalized. The journey toward healing and justice continues, as the U.S. confronts the legacies of its past.
