News Release

Tipi returns to Alcatraz Island ahead of 55th commemoration of historic Native American act of sovereignty

The newly installed tipi will remain on the island for two months.

NPS/Tory Starling

News Release Date: October 29, 2024 SAN FRANCISCO—In commemoration of the 1969 Occupation of Alcatraz Island by Native American students and activists, a tipi was installed on October 26 through a partnership between the National Park Service, Golden Gate National Parks Conservancy, and several former occupiers and their descendants. During a ceremony to recognize the individuals involved with the landmark act of sovereignty, the tipi was erected on the west side of the island facing San Francisco.

The 19-month occupation of the island was led by a group called the “Indians of All Tribes” and brought recognition to injustices affecting Native American communities. Many of the people who participated in the occupation have continued to celebrate that history.

Many of the attendees of the October 26 ceremony were at the 1969 Occupation of Alcatraz Island.

NPS/Tory Starling.

Several people associated with the occupation have volunteered their time to make the installation possible. The tipi will remain on Alcatraz for the occupation’s 55^th anniversary before departing the island on December 14, 2024.

An exhibit on the island, Red Power on Alcatraz, was unveiled in 2019 for the occupation’s 50^th commemoration and remains open. The exhibit, along with complementary interpretive materials on the Alcatraz website, allows visitors to learn about the occupation directly from the people involved.