Question

Why did the 1969 occupation of Alcatraz occur? What was the significance of Alcatraz to the American Indian? What kind pf contribution do you believe this occupation made? References incude

Answer 1

Alcatraz was a prison island that was abandoned in 1963 by the government. Native Americans were encouraged to move to urban areas by the government so that their recognition as tribals could be terminated during these times. As government was deciding over the unused land of the island, native Indians wanted it to be the Center for native American culture. Thus, on November 9, 1969 they captured this island for about 19 months, during which they lived on island without water supply, phone service, and even electricity for some period.

This occupation seized the attention of the media and the world to their issues. It was largely symbolic, but gave the native Americans a cause to unite and speak for their rights. It made government to end the terminating policy, acknowledging their rights. Alcatraz was never turned into a cultural center as demanded by the native Americans and it became a part of national park. But, it still is remembered as the part of history, where, the natives were successful to make the government address their problem and make a remedy for their plight.

Taken from the websites of history com, and cnn.