1969 Alcatraz Occupation

The 1969 Alcatraz Occupation was a protest where a group of Native American activists seized the abandoned Alcatraz Island in San Francisco Bay to demand rights and recognition for Native peoples. They claimed the island under a legal doctrine that unused federal land could be reclaimed by indigenous peoples. The occupation lasted for about 19 months, raising awareness about Native American issues, including poverty, cultural preservation, and sovereignty. It garnered national attention, inspiring future activism, and contributed to policy changes supporting Native rights. The occupation remains a significant symbol of Native American resistance and assertion of sovereignty.