The Lakota Indians are strongly associated with the Native American rights movement, and some of the most dramatic battles of the 19th century against the white man. The Lakota Indians were founders of the American Indian Movement and have been quite influential in convincing the American government to be aware of the rights of all Native Americans. When there are any issues concerning reservations and the mainstream American government, the Lakota Indians are at the forefront, and are usually counted on to bring awareness of Native American issues to the nation at large.