Meeting Between Federal Officials and Occupants of Alcatraz Island
1970
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This image shows Robert Robertson, Executive Director of the Vice President’s National Council on Indian Opportunity, and Thomas Hannon, Regional Administrator of the General Services Administration, meeting with American Indian occupants of Alcatraz island.
The American Indian occupation of Alcatraz began in December 1969, when 89 men, women, and children arrived on Alcatraz to begin an occupation of the island that would last a year and a half. Shortly after their arrival, they issued a newletter, including a proclamation reclaiming Alcatraz "in the name of all American Indians."
In October 1969, fire had destroyed the San Francisco Indian Center, a place frequented by American Indians in need of employment, health, and legal assistance. In need of a new home, and energized by the wider protest movements of the time, an activist group self-identified as "Indians of All Tribes" declared they would reclaim Alcatraz Island, known as "the Rock," under the terms of an old treaty between the United States government and the Sioux. They argued the treaty allowed native tribes to reclaim unused, abandoned, or surplus Federal lands, and that Alcatraz, since its closing in 1963, constituted such unused property.
Indians of All Tribes created a plan to take legal possession of the island, make the island a focal point for addressing problems native peoples were having nationally, and create an Indian University and Cultural Center. A radio station and newsletter were started to get the word out.
Representatives from the Federal Government came to meet with the occupiers in early 1970, as seen here, and put forth a counter proposal. The Department of the Interior, in conjunction with American Indians, would develop a master plan for a park on Alcatraz. Indians of All Tribes rejected this idea.
While the occupants prepared for a long battle to achieve their goals, incidents of drug and alcohol related violence increased. Many of the original occupiers left, afraid for their lives and wellbeing. Garbage began piling up and plumbing was failing. In May 1970, the Nixon administration ordered all power to the island cut in the hope of forcing the occupiers out. Fresh water supplied from the mainland was stopped. In June, a fire resulted in the damage or destruction of several buildings.
Still, some occupiers remained, determined despite all tragedy and difficulty to see their dreams for Alcatraz become a reality. They managed to hold on for another year. On June 11, 1971, Federal marshals arrived on Alcatraz and forcibly removed the remaining holdouts.
Although the occupation of Alcatraz failed to achieve its expressed aims, it did have a more far-reaching impact than was immediately realized. While the occupation was ongoing, President Nixon declared that the policy of forced tribal assimilation through the withdrawal of tribal sovereignty should end. Indian self-determination, championed by the Alcatraz occupiers, was to be the Federal government’s new stated goal. Improvements to healthcare delivery and educational opportunities for Native Americans were forthcoming. The passage of the American Indian Religious Freedom Act in 1978 protected the right of Native Americans to practice their traditional religions.
Since 1973, Alcatraz Island has been managed by the National Park Service.
The American Indian occupation of Alcatraz began in December 1969, when 89 men, women, and children arrived on Alcatraz to begin an occupation of the island that would last a year and a half. Shortly after their arrival, they issued a newletter, including a proclamation reclaiming Alcatraz "in the name of all American Indians."
In October 1969, fire had destroyed the San Francisco Indian Center, a place frequented by American Indians in need of employment, health, and legal assistance. In need of a new home, and energized by the wider protest movements of the time, an activist group self-identified as "Indians of All Tribes" declared they would reclaim Alcatraz Island, known as "the Rock," under the terms of an old treaty between the United States government and the Sioux. They argued the treaty allowed native tribes to reclaim unused, abandoned, or surplus Federal lands, and that Alcatraz, since its closing in 1963, constituted such unused property.
Indians of All Tribes created a plan to take legal possession of the island, make the island a focal point for addressing problems native peoples were having nationally, and create an Indian University and Cultural Center. A radio station and newsletter were started to get the word out.
Representatives from the Federal Government came to meet with the occupiers in early 1970, as seen here, and put forth a counter proposal. The Department of the Interior, in conjunction with American Indians, would develop a master plan for a park on Alcatraz. Indians of All Tribes rejected this idea.
While the occupants prepared for a long battle to achieve their goals, incidents of drug and alcohol related violence increased. Many of the original occupiers left, afraid for their lives and wellbeing. Garbage began piling up and plumbing was failing. In May 1970, the Nixon administration ordered all power to the island cut in the hope of forcing the occupiers out. Fresh water supplied from the mainland was stopped. In June, a fire resulted in the damage or destruction of several buildings.
Still, some occupiers remained, determined despite all tragedy and difficulty to see their dreams for Alcatraz become a reality. They managed to hold on for another year. On June 11, 1971, Federal marshals arrived on Alcatraz and forcibly removed the remaining holdouts.
Although the occupation of Alcatraz failed to achieve its expressed aims, it did have a more far-reaching impact than was immediately realized. While the occupation was ongoing, President Nixon declared that the policy of forced tribal assimilation through the withdrawal of tribal sovereignty should end. Indian self-determination, championed by the Alcatraz occupiers, was to be the Federal government’s new stated goal. Improvements to healthcare delivery and educational opportunities for Native Americans were forthcoming. The passage of the American Indian Religious Freedom Act in 1978 protected the right of Native Americans to practice their traditional religions.
Since 1973, Alcatraz Island has been managed by the National Park Service.
This primary source comes from the Records of Temporary Committees, Commissions, and Boards.
Full Citation: Meeting Between Federal Officials and Occupants of Alcatraz Island; 1970; Council Records, 1968 - 1974; Records of Temporary Committees, Commissions, and Boards, Record Group 220; National Archives at College Park, College Park, MD. [Online Version, https://www.docsteach.org/documents/document/alcatraz-meeting, September 9, 2024]Rights: Copyright Not Evaluated Learn more on our privacy and legal page.