Why Do Warriors Wear Masks?
🎙️ Narrated by Clifton Ariwakehte Nicholas

In this powerful reflection, an Indigenous warrior explains why masks have become a necessary part of resistance. Drawing on the lessons of the 1973 Wounded Knee uprising and the violence that followed, the speaker details how state surveillance and repression made anonymity a matter of survival. After Wounded Knee, those who stood up were systematically targeted—by the FBI and hired goons. The mask is not a gimmick or a symbol—it’s armor.

This clip delves into the security culture developed by Indigenous movements to protect communities, maintain operational safety, and safeguard the individuals behind the struggle. It underscores the strategic use of pseudonyms and collective identities as tools to ensure that resistance can continue without repression destroying it from within.

Ultimately, “Why Do Warriors Wear Masks?” is not just about hiding faces—it's about preserving the movement and honoring those who came before.