Vine Deloria Jr. (1933 - 2005)

Sun Mar 26, 1933

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Vine Deloria Jr., born on this day in 1933, was an indigenous theologian, historian, professor, and activist who authored “Custer Died for Your Sins: An Indian Manifesto” (1969). The book helped bring national attention to Native American issues, the same year as the Alcatraz-Red Power Movement.

Deloria also worked on the legal case that led to the historic “Boldt Decision” of the United States District Court for the Western District of Washington. This decision granted legal fishing rights to Native Americans in Washington state, and was used as legal precedent for other lawsuits that sought to restore rights granted in Native American treaties.

From 1964 to 1967, Deloria also served as executive director of the National Congress of American Indians, increasing tribal membership from 19 to 156. Beginning in 1977, Deloria was a board member of the National Museum of the American Indian, which now has buildings in both New York City and Washington, DC.

“Until America begins to build a moral record in her dealings with the Indian people she should not try to fool the rest of the world about her intentions on other continents.”

- Vine Deloria Jr.