In the fall of 1969, Alcatraz Island was the site of the most significant Native American protest in modern history. Frustrated by years of oppression and aggregated treaties, seventy-nine Native Americans eluded a Coast Guard blockade and took possession of the vacant prison for eighteen months.

During the 1950s, the federal government enacted policies designed to move Native Americans from reservations, and assimilate them into major cities throughout the country. A direct result of the process was not only the loss of native land, but also the degradation of tribal culture. Spread out in various communities, tribes lost the cohesion necessary to retain ancient customs, traditions, and ethnic pride.

By the 1960s, about 40,000 relocated Native Americans lived in the San Francisco area. Following the example of the other protest movements of the era, Native Americans in San Francisco mobilized, and staged protests throughout the city.

Lead by Native American activist Richard Oakes, a group of Native Americans comprised of students, married couples, and six children, landed on the Alcatraz Island and publicly reclaimed it as Indian land. The activists demanded that the federal government return the island to Native Americans, and provide funding for the construction of an Indian cultural complex and university. The government rejected the demands; however, fearing negative press coverage, the Nixon Administration allowed the protesters to remain.

The occupiers immediately organized, formed committees, and delegated responsibilities to various members. Tribe member John Trudell reported the progress of the occupation via daily radio broadcasts.

The broadcasts garnered strong public support. During the occupation, the activists received money, food, and supplies from businesses and individual citizens. Celebrities also publicly voiced support; Jane Fonda, Marlon Brando and Jonathan Winters all visited the island, and the rock band Credence Clearwater Revival donated $15,000.

Within the first few months, however, the occupation faced serious challenges. Severed power and phone lines made life on the island difficult, and many of the original student members of the occupation went back to school. Less passionate recruits often took their place. When Richard Oakes’ thirteen-year-old stepdaughter fell to her death on the island, he and his family left.

The ensuing power vacuum led to chaos on the island, and the organized movement fell apart. Public support waned when fires on the island destroyed several buildings and damaged the lighthouse. Additionally, occupiers shot an arrow at a crowed harbor boat cruise, terrifying the tourists aboard.

By June of 1971, there were only fifteen protesters left on the island. Escorted by an assortment of federal agents and the Coast Guard, the group left Alcatraz with no resistance.

The Alcatraz occupation initiated the “Red Power” movement of the 1970s, and raised the national consciousness concerning Indian land rights and the preservation of Native cultures. In 1971, as a direct result of the occupation, the federal government announced a new Native American policy of “self-determination without termination.”