American Indian Occupation - 50th Anniversary

In 1969, a group of Native American activists called the Indians of All Tribes arrived on Alcatraz. They spoke out against the U.S. Government's Termination Policy and the broader plight of Native Americans. Golden Gate National Recreation Area commemorates this moment in history, with 19 months of special events and an exhibition: Red Power on Alcatraz, Perspectives 50 Years Later.

 

Duration:

2 minutes, 15 seconds

 

2019 marked the 50^th Anniversary of the Occupation of Alcatraz by the Indians of All Tribes, a key event in the history of Alcatraz Island, Native American sovereignty, and our nation. Golden Gate National Recreation Area, in collaboration with Indians of All Tribes, is planning 19 months of events and programming, from November 20, 2019 ­- June 2021 including:

Virtual Exhibition: Red Power on Alcatraz: Perspectives 50 Years Later

In 1969, a group of Native American activists called the Indians of All Tribes arrived on Alcatraz. Red Power on Alcatraz: Perspectives 50 Years Later tells the story of their 19 ­month occupation of the island, a watershed moment in the movement for Native American civil rights. For the 19 months duration of the exhibit, visitors can view photographs by Brooks Townes, Ilka Hartmann and Stephen Shames, artwork by UrbanRezLife, original materials from the collection of Kent Blansett, and contributions from the community of former occupiers.

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Cultural Programs

During the Occupation, the Indians of All Tribes called for an Indian Cultural Center on Alcatraz Island. In keeping with this idea, cultural programs and activities have taken place month from December 2019 through June 2021. Visitors can participate in a variety of presentations, workshops, demonstrations, and activities led by former occupiers and Indigenous groups.

Initially these events took place on the island on the 2^nd Saturday of each month, but due to public health closures in 2020 many of the events shifted to virtual. Several of these virtual Cultural Programs, produced in partnership with the San Francisco Public Library, can be viewed below:

• Indigenous Women of Alcatraz and the Red Power Movement
• Shaping a New Generation of Native American Activism
• Red Power on Alcatraz Perspectives 50 Years Later
• Red Power: Injunuity, Filmmakers Panel

 

Are You Interested?

The National Park Service (NPS) is seeking to partner with Native American groups to host one public event each month, generally the second Saturday, until June 2021. Are you interested in presenting? Please e-mail. Examples could include indigenous cultural presentations, workshops, arts and crafts, book panels, performances, or storytelling.