nov 20, 1969 - Siege of Alcatraz
Description:
89 Native Americans landed on Alcatraz and declared the former prison Indian land "by right of discovery" and demanded the government provide funding to turn it into a Native American cultural centre and university. Their terms were ignored.
The occupied the island for 19 months in defiance before finally being removed by federal officers in June 1971. The Nixon administration had opted to bide its time and leave the occupiers alone as long as they remained peaceful. Population swelled to over 600 at its peak. The occupiers received canned goods, clothes and thousands of dollars in cash donations along with celebrities visiting the island and lending their support.
After trouble arose due to the circulation of drugs and alcohol (originally banned) and fight for leadership after Oakes left, the Nixon administration cut all remaining power to Alcatraz in an effort to force them out. However, a fire tore across the island a week later so most fled.
The siege ended because of the decline in press attention - reduction of interest, starved of publicity, loss of donations. The government then stepped in when no one was paying any attention.
Added to timeline:
Native Americans and Civil Rights
1865 - 1992
Date:
