" THE NATIVE AMERICAN OCCUPATION"

After the prison closed,a group of Native Americans selected Alcatraz as a place to make a stand.
They occupied Alcatraz a total of 3 time,the first in 1964,when they stayed only 4 hours.
Five years later,on Nov.9 1969,a small group landed on the Island and claimed it in the name of the "Indians of all Tribes",a landmark in intertribal cooperation.A full scale occupation began 11 days later,on Nov.20,and lasted for 19 months.
Echoing the 1626 purchase of Manhattan Island,the Indians of all tribes offered to buy Alcatraz from the federal Government for $24.00 in beads,colored cloth,and other trade goods,
In "The Proclamation to the Great White Father and And All His People",they noted that Alcatraz reminded them of an Indian reservation because, among other things, "it is isolated from modern facilities,the soil is rocky and unproductive,and the land does not support game".
This occupation lasted until June 1971.Federal agents removed the last of the Indians from Alcatraz.

The Island looking from the shore of San Francisco.



This was the first thing that caught my eye..It was written sometime during the Indian Occupation.


One of the old builings.I don't remember what it was used for.


I call these my "River Rat" Photos because, she does many beautiful pictures looking through windows!
A cell with some art work of a prisoner.


Another looking out this very small window at th Bay.



A cell without a cot. Can you imagine with a cot there was no room.


Golden Gate Bridge, Taken from Alcatraz.



Last,but not least. My favorite...A painting done by Indians when they were living there.It was big,I would say life size.
Artist was...J. Blackhorse, Sioux.


I really think our Government should have let the Indians claim Alcatraz....Since It belonged to them in the first place!

Dixie