Hank Adams, the lifelong activist who negotiated peaceful ends to some of the most dangerous standoffs in modern Indian history, is the 2006 recipient of Indian Country Today’s American Indian Visionary Award.
The award will be presented in a ceremony at the National Press Club in Washington, D.C. on March 1.
Famously self-effacing, Adams was a crucial behind-the-scenes figure in practically every scene of the militant Indian revival of the last four decades. He is best known in the history books for his negotiations with the White House to resolve the takeover of the BIA building in Washington in 1972 during the Trail of Broken Treaties protest and to wind down the 10-week siege of Wounded Knee in 1973. Both incidents could have caused untold casualties, but his ability to gain the confidence of both sides is credited with keeping bloodshed to a minimum.
Hank Adams the visionary
Bennett: Working for our tomorrow
Harjo: Hank Adams, an unassuming visionary
Lowry: Sharing pride in improving America
Whitten: A brave and fine man
Echohawk: Using their law and their history to protect our rights
Deloria: The most important Indian
Gover: Devotion, persistence, wisdom and vision
