Indian occupation of Alcatraz, San Francisco

Indian occupation of Alcatraz, San Francisco

California
San Francisco
Civil Rights
Indigenous Peoples
Self-determination
Protest

This photograph captures the Native Indian Occupation of Alcatraz in November 1969, whereby Native Indian activists occupied the island of Alcatraz. The photo depicts a group of 9 Native Americans, dressed in tribal clothing standing under a sign which states ‘INDIAN LAND’ and ‘INDIANS WELCOME’ in red paint. These signs were drawn onto the wall of the prison by the protestors at Alcatraz. The island was occupied for eighteen months by a group of Native Indians who named themselves the Indians of All Tribes. During this time the Natives demanded for Alcatraz to be developed as a Native Cultural center. Although this request was declined, the protest sparked the beginning of the Red Power Movement across America. This photograph and movement more widely highlights the conflict between indigenous Californians and the American government during the 20th century, but also the reawakening of Indigenous culture and identity.

Unknown

‘We Make Money Not Art’, ‘Unthanks-giving and the occupation of Alcatraz by American Natives’,
http://we-make-money-not-art.com/unthanksgiving-and-the-occupation-of-alcatraz-by-american-natives/

25 November 1969

Ellen Daly

Associated Press (AP), New York

N/A

Visual - photgraph

20th century California