Welcome to Indian Land — The Taking of Alcatraz

The future of Alcatraz, now idle federal land no longer used as a prison, comes under debate. An 1868 Sioux treaty supposedly entitles Native Americans to any surplus federal land, and the United Indian Council is interested in creating a cultural center on the island. They submit proposals in 1964 and 1969, but these are ignored. In fact, the San Francisco Board of Supervisors endorses another bid, a commercial one, for redevelopment of the island in 1969. There is public outcry, and the General Services Administration requires the Department of the Interior to consider recreational uses for the land. On October 10, the San Francisco Indian Center, an important cultural meeting place, burns to the ground. An occupation of Alcatraz is planned to promote awareness of American Indian concerns‹and in hopes of creating a new meeting place on the island.

On November 20, 79 men, women, and children land on Alcatraz. At first, there is tremendous public support for their protest, and provisions come flooding in. But the government refuses to grant any of their demands. Public interest eventually wanes, and the occupation takes its toll on the participants. On June 11, 1971, various armed branches of the government remove the 15 remaining occupiers, who offer no resistance. The episode nevertheless results in widespread awareness of Indian issues and helps to launch the American Indian Movement (AIM).

Prevent a 2nd Massacre at Wounded Knee : Show Your Solidarity with the Indian Nations 1973 Library of Congress