Review of
We Are Still Here:
A Photographic History of the American Indian Movement
By Laura Waterman Wittstock and Dick Bancroft
We Are Still Here: A Photographic History of the American Indian Movement, published by Borealis Books in 2013, is a poignant and visually stunning documentation of one of the most significant chapters in modern Native American history. Co-authored by Laura Waterman Wittstock, a seasoned journalist and writer, and Dick Bancroft, an esteemed photographer, this book captures the essence of the American Indian Movement (AIM) through the power of words and images.
The Power of Visual Storytelling
One of the most striking aspects of this book is its reliance on photography as a primary mode of storytelling. Dick Bancroft’s images are not mere accompaniments to the text; they are central to the narrative. His photographs span decades, chronicling the rise of AIM in the late 1960s and its ongoing impact on Native American communities. These images capture pivotal moments, such as the occupation of Alcatraz Island, the Trail of Broken Treaties, and the standoff at Wounded Knee. Bancroft’s keen eye for detail and his ability to capture raw emotion make each photograph a testament to the resilience, courage, and determination of the movement’s leaders and participants.
Accompanying Bancroft’s photographs are captions and reflections that provide context, often giving voice to the individuals featured in the images. These annotations bridge the gap between the visual and the textual, allowing readers to engage with the history on a deeply personal level.
A History of Resistance and Resilience
Laura Waterman Wittstock’s narrative provides the historical framework that binds the photographs together. Her writing is both passionate and meticulous, weaving in firsthand accounts, historical analysis, and reflections on the broader sociopolitical landscape of the time. Wittstock delves into the origins of AIM, founded in 1968 in Minneapolis, Minnesota, as a response to systemic violence, economic disparities, and cultural erasure faced by Native Americans. She highlights the movement’s key leaders, including Dennis Banks, Russell Means, and Clyde Bellecourt, painting a vivid picture of their determination to reclaim Native sovereignty and dignity.
The book does not shy away from the complexities and internal struggles within AIM, nor does it gloss over the external challenges posed by federal authorities and public perception. Instead, it offers a nuanced portrayal of a movement that, while imperfect, achieved remarkable milestones in advocating for Indigenous rights.
Personal Stories and Collective Memory
One of the book’s strengths is its ability to balance the macro and micro-narratives. While it provides a sweeping overview of AIM’s history, it also zooms in on individual stories that illuminate the human aspect of the movement. The anecdotes and personal accounts add a layer of intimacy, reminding readers that history is not just about events but about people—people who risked their lives, endured hardship, and fought tirelessly for justice.
The title, We Are Still Here, underscores the book’s central message: the enduring presence and vitality of Native American communities. By documenting AIM’s history, Wittstock and Bancroft affirm the resilience of Indigenous peoples and their ongoing struggle for recognition and equality.
Design and Presentation
The book itself is a work of art. Published by Borealis Books, it features high-quality printing that does justice to Bancroft’s photographs. The layout is thoughtful and accessible, allowing readers to immerse themselves in the visual and textual narrative without feeling overwhelmed. The design choices reflect the book’s commitment to honoring the spirit of the movement it chronicles.
A Call to Action
While We Are Still Here is a historical chronicle, it is also a call to action. The issues that AIM confronted—land rights, cultural preservation, police brutality, and systemic inequality—are far from resolved. By engaging with this book, readers are not only educated about the past but are also invited to reflect on the present and consider their role in supporting Indigenous rights.
Conclusion
We Are Still Here: A Photographic History of the American Indian Movement is a powerful and necessary book. It serves as both a tribute to AIM and a reminder of the ongoing struggles faced by Native American communities. Laura Waterman Wittstock and Dick Bancroft have created a work that is as inspiring as it is informative, combining evocative photography with insightful prose to tell a story that deserves to be widely known.
This book is for anyone interested in social justice, American history, or the power of photography to shape narratives. It is not just a historical account; it is a celebration of resilience, a testament to courage, and a documentation of the enduring spirit of Indigenous peoples.
