The major focus of the Native American rights movement in the 1970s was to advocate for the sovereignty and civil rights of Indigenous peoples in the United States. This period saw increased activism, symbolized by events such as the occupation of Alcatraz Island in 1969 and the Wounded Knee incident in 1973. Activists sought to address systemic issues, including treaties that had been broken, lack of federal recognition, land rights, and cultural preservation. Organizations such as the American Indian Movement (AIM) emerged to promote political rights, environmental justice, and social issues affecting Native Americans, sparking greater awareness and advocacy for their rights.