When Native American Activists Occupied Alcatraz Island | HISTORY

On this day in 1969, a group of Indigenous activists occupied Alcatraz Island in protest of anti-Native policies and treatment. These activists set the tone for Indigenous Power and paved the way for a brighter future—and we use that as inspiration to power our fight for change. | The California Endowment

Q&A: The 1969 Indian Occupation of Alcatraz, through the eyes of an occupier | Golden Gate National Parks Conservancy

The Occupation of Alcatraz (November 20, 1969 – June 11, 1971) was a 19-month long occupation by 89 American Indians and their supporters of Alcatraz Island and its prison complex, classified as abandoned surplus federal land. The occupation was led by Richard Oakes, LaNada Means, and others, while John Trudell served as spokesman. The group lived on the island together until the occupation was forcibly ended by the U.S. government. LaNada War Jack is a member of the Shoshone Bannock Tribes and

'It was the cleverest escape in the prison's 30 years': The men who broke out of Alcatraz with a spoon