Richard Oakes, alongside other Indigenous activists, in November 1969 began a 19-month occupation of Alcatraz.
People gather at Alcatraz Island for the Sunrise Ceremony on Nov. 28, 2019, in San Francisco. Photo: Liu Guanguan/China News Service/VCG via Getty Images
The International Indian Treaty Council is hosting its annual Sunrise Gathering on Alcatraz Island, a.k.a. "The Rock," Thursday in commemoration of the 1969-1971 occupation by theThe event, first held in 1975, is designed to provide a space for healing and giving thanks for the survival, resistance and resilience of Indigenous peoples in California.
The program will feature Pomo and Aztec dancers, prayer, music by the All Nations Drum group and other cultural activities.Thanksgiving is typically a day of mourning for Indigenous peoples, and "carries this very painful history," Morning Star Gali, the community liaison coordinator for theSome Indigenous activists, scholars and artists use the term "Thankstaking" to describe an alternative history around the holiday with a focus on land theft and Indigenous voices.
About 100 Indigenous activists occupied the island. They elected officials, established a school, housing, daycare and a new American Indian center.and other challenges they were facing.What they're saying:"The reclaiming of Alcatraz … I call it one of the original 'land back' movements," she said. "Alcatraz represented the lack of housing, the lack of education, the lack of having access to healthy food and clean water. None of that existed on the island.
"We definitely have a long way to go, but this is no longer something you only learn about in a Native American Studies class."
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