What was the primary goal of the American Indian Movement (AIM) established in 1968?

The primary goal of the American Indian Movement (AIM), established in 1968, was indeed to demand that the Bureau of Indian Affairs (BIA) be reformed into a more independent agency that effectively addressed the needs and rights of Native Americans. AIM emerged in response to the systemic injustices faced by Indigenous peoples, including poverty, discrimination, and the failure of federal policies to uphold treaties. By advocating for a more independent BIA, AIM sought to empower Native Americans in policymaking that affected their communities directly, addressing issues such as land rights, sovereignty, and social justice.

The emphasis on the independence of the BIA reflects a broader aim to assert self-determination for Native American nations, highlighting the historical grievances and the desire for greater control over tribal affairs. This contrasts sharply with the other options, which, while they may hint at relevant topics within Indigenous rights and culture, do not encapsulate the core purpose of AIM's formation, which was a direct challenge to federal neglect and paternalism rather than simply cultural celebration or environmental issues.