American Indian Occupation of Alcatraz, November 20, 1969

November 20^th, 2019 marks the 50^th anniversary of the peaceful occupation of Alcatraz. Few outside of Indian country may be entirely aware of the significance of the event when in 1969 men, women and  youth children from across the continent convened on Alcatraz island. Once the site of the infamous penitentiary it is now a major tourist attraction.  But fifty years ago the prison was closed. The small island in San Francisco Bay was unoccupied land managed by the federal government. The occupation reminded the United States Government of longstanding and unfulfilled obligations from Fort Laramie Treaty of 1868. Accordingly out of use federal land was to be returned to the people who once occupied it. See this Wikipedia article for more information- https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Occupation_of_Alcatraz

The Alcatraz occupation resonated throughout the country and drew national and international support to address the issues of inequality impacting life for Native Americans. While there were some dark moments of the nineteenth month occupation the event sparked a movement that continues even to this day.

“There were difficulties but the calm resolve of the Native Community was greater-Who would have known?” Suzanne Looking Horse

Making History

Several families were part of the occupation of Alcatraz. As a child Suzie accompanied her grandmother, aunts, uncles and cousins to the island. Her uncle the late Sonny Thompson used a small motorboat to ferry people and supplies. And one of her aunts helped staff the makeshift first aid center.   Her mother came on weekends since she couldn’t take off from work.

“We were just kids- Suzie recalls—and so I don’t remember much. In the morning we attended classes so that we were able to continue with our studies when we returned back to school. The rest of the time we explored the island including the abandoned jail cells. We ate in the large dining room and our families lived in the former guardhouses. It was indeed an adventure. I’ve come to cherish these childhood memories.  The participation in this historic event has shaped who I am today.  I have the responsibility to instill the lessons learned to younger generations. It’s important to our history and our future.  

As I look back I realize there must have been tremendous difficulties and sacrifices to launch and carry this peaceful occupation. Yes, there were difficulties but the calm resolve of the occupiers was greater. It comforted us and strengthened us. As a child I felt safe and cared for. I realize now this was not easy to accomplish. Who would have known?”

Commemorating 50th Anniversary of Occupation of Alcatraz

We wish we could be there with our relatives commemorating the 50^th anniversary year. But our thoughts and prayers are there and we’ll tell our grandchildren the importance of these events, which remind us that there is still work to be done.  

Here we share with you some resources where you can learn more about past events. And if you’re in the Bay Area consider participate upcoming events commemorating the beginning of a new chapter of our history. Share your memories and experiences of this part important event.

https://www.sfchronicle.com/oursf/article/Occupation-of-Alcatraz-discovery-640-unpublished-14836597.php

https://www.facebook.com/events/alcatraz-island/50th-anniversary-peaceful-occupation-of-alcatraz-island/306723323065827/