Occupation of Alcatraz

About

The Occupation of Alcatraz was a pivotal event in American history, lasting from November 20, 1969, to June 11, 1971. It began when a group of Native Americans, calling themselves "Indians of All Tribes," took over the abandoned Alcatraz Island in San Francisco Bay. The occupation aimed to highlight the U.S. government's treatment of Native Americans, particularly the termination policies that stripped tribes of their rights and lands. The protesters claimed the island under the 1868 Treaty of Fort Laramie, which stipulated that unused federal land should be returned to Native peoples. The occupation gained national attention and became a catalyst for Native American activism. It led to significant policy changes, including the end of termination policies and the implementation of the Indian Self-Determination and Education Assistance Act in 1975. The event marked a turning point in the fight for Native American rights, inspiring further protests like the Wounded Knee occupation. Despite not achieving its immediate goals, the Alcatraz occupation remains a powerful symbol of resistance and a precursor to modern Native American civil rights movements.