Indian Occupation - San Francisco, CA
Posted by: 
saopaulo1
N 37° 49.571 W 122° 25.337
10S E 550841 N 4186686
Quick Description: A plaque about the Native American occupancy of Alcatraz.
Location: California, United States
Date Posted: 5/7/2012 3:12:19 PM
Waymark Code: WMECJM
Views: 2
Long Description:
1969-1971
In 1969, six years after the penitentiary closed a group of American Indians claimed Alcatraz for "Indians of All tribes." For almost 19 months they occupied the island to call attention to the plight of Native American and make a stand for Native people's fundamental right to their cultural identity.
The occupiers hoped to establish several institutions on Alcatraz. Their vision included a center for American Indian Studies, a job training school, a spiritual center, an ecology center and a museum.
The occupiers did not achieve their goal for Alcatraz. However the occupation of the island was a historical turning point for American Indians across the country. Public sympathy generated by the occupation played a key role in the US government's policy of termination tribal governments and the relocation of Indian from their communities and reservation land. This led to an official government tribal self rule, which protects Indian lands, languages, culture and identity.
Group that erected the marker: NPS
Address of where the marker is located. Approximate if necessary:
Alcatraz Island
San Francisco, CA USA
URL of a web site with more information about the history mentioned on the sign: Not listed
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Visit Instructions:
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