workingclasshistory: On this day, 20 November 1969, a group of 78 Native Americans occupied Alcatraz
On this day, 20 November 1969, a group of 78 Native Americans occupied Alcatraz Island demanding that it be returned to them, as well as demanding the establishment of a Native American university.
In their declaration the occupiers noted that Alcatraz was “more than suitable for an Indian reservation, as determined by the white man’s own standards”, as it had no “adequate means of transportation… no fresh running water, inadequate sanitation facilities… no oil or mineral rights… no health-care facilities… no educational facilities” and “The population has always been held as prisoners and kept dependent upon others.”
The occupiers dubbed themselves Indians of All Nations, elected a council, set up a school and distributed tasks amongst the whole group, voting on all major decisions. Holding out until June 1971, authorities eventually evicted the protesters without agreeing to any of their demands. However, the action was reported around the world, and helped spark the growth of the modern Native American movement.
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