"On November 20, 1969, this symbolic occupation (that began on November 9th) turned into a full scale occupation which lasted until June 11, 1971." [1] "After sailing through San Francisco Bay under cover of darkness, the Indians landed at Alcatraz and claimed the island for all the tribes of North America." [2]
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"The general mood was optimistic, everybody was charged because it was like we were doing something. Everybody had a sense of freedom and exhilaration."
-Eloy Martinez, participant at the Alcatraz Occupation
"We invite the United States to acknowledge the justice of our claim. The choice now lies with the leaders of the American government - to use violence upon us as before to remove us from our Great Spirit's land, or to institute a real change in its dealing with the American Indian. We do not fear your threat to charge us with crimes on our land. We and all other oppressed peoples would welcome spectacle of proof before the world of your title by genocide. Nevertheless, we seek peace." |
"They held the island for nineteen months, their number swelling to as much as a thousand in the summer of 1970, and dwindling to fifteen the following summer." [3] "They released a list of demands, and invited the federal government to join them in formal negotiations. Initially, the government demanded that the occupiers leave, and set up a Coast Guard blockade to prevent supplies from reaching them. The government later switched to a strategy of non-interference, hoping that by waiting long enough the occupation would collapse on its own." [4]
CLICK ON THE PHOTOS TO READ THE FULL DECLARATION OF THE RETURN OF INDIAN LAND OR A DISCUSSION TRANSCRIPT ABOUT THE ALCATRAZ OCCUPATION
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A video filmed at the occupation of normal activities on the island.
[University of Cincinnati, 1969] |
"As the two sides debated, the Indians continued settling into their new home. ...Native American college students and activists flocked to join the protest, and the population of Alcatraz often swelled to more than 600 people. A governing council was formed, and the island soon had its own clinic, kitchen, public relations department and even a nursery and grade school for its children. A security force dubbed the “Bureau of Caucasian Affairs” (a riff on the much-hated “Bureau of Indian Affairs”) patrolled the shoreline to watch for intruders, and a Sioux named John Trudell hopped behind the mic to broadcast radio updates under the banner of “Radio Free Alcatraz." [5]
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CLICK ON THE PHOTO
TO READ THE FULL TRANSCRIPT OF A MESSAGE ASKING FOR SUPPLIES. |
"Much of the Bay area was supporters. I always imagine it as it being like a circle around the island of people on the shore, all talking about this, all enthusiastic, all wanting to help. Many, many people went and bought them food, water, clothing, and donated money."
-Ilka Hartmann, photographer at the Alcatraz Occupation
"Soon after their arrival, the group found buckets of terra-cotta-colored paint, believed to be left over from the nearby Golden Gate Bridge. Some took to spelling out declarations of native sovereignty and painting raised red fists on the island’s dilapidated prison buildings, including the water tower." [7] |
HOVER OVER IMAGES TO REVEAL CAPTION, CLICK TO ENLARGE
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