The Legacy of Alcatraz: A 19-Month Stand for Sovereignty

The choice of Alcatraz Island as the site for this annual ceremony is deeply symbolic. In November 1969, a group of Native American activists, identifying as Indians of All Tribes, occupied the abandoned federal prison for 19 months. This wasn’t a random act of protest; it was a deliberate assertion of sovereignty and a demand for recognition of treaty rights.

Alcatraz Federal Penitentiary had closed its doors just six years prior, leaving the island vacant. The occupiers, inspired by the 1868 Treaty of Fort Laramie – which stipulated that abandoned federal lands could be reclaimed by Indigenous peoples – saw an opportunity to reclaim a piece of their ancestral homeland. They envisioned transforming Alcatraz into a Native American cultural center, a university, and a museum, a space for healing and self-determination.

Hundreds of people, many of them students, joined the occupation, facing off against federal authorities. They established a functioning community on the island, complete with a school, a radio station – Radio Free Alcatraz – and a newsletter. The occupation, though ultimately dismantled by federal intervention in June 1971, ignited a new wave of Native American activism and inspired movements like the protests against the Dakota Access Pipeline at Standing Rock in 2016.

The spirit of resistance that permeated Alcatraz in 1969 continues to resonate today. The annual Thanksgiving gathering serves as a potent reminder of that history and a call to action for continued advocacy.

But what does it truly mean to “unthank” Thanksgiving? Is it simply about acknowledging the painful history of colonization, or does it demand a more fundamental re-evaluation of the relationship between Indigenous peoples and the United States?

The ceremony isn’t merely a historical reenactment; it’s a living tradition. Participants light a ceremonial fire, beat drums, sing songs, and share stories, all while facing the East to greet the rising sun. It’s a space for mourning, remembrance, and reaffirmation of cultural identity.

The Indigenous-led gathering is a direct challenge to the romanticized version of Thanksgiving often presented in mainstream culture. It’s a space to acknowledge the devastating impact of colonization on Native American communities, the loss of land, and the ongoing struggle for self-determination. The International Indian Treaty Council, a key organizer of the event, emphasizes the importance of honoring ancestors and celebrating the survival of Indigenous peoples, cultures, and ways of life.

Did You Know? The 19-month occupation of Alcatraz was largely peaceful, despite facing significant opposition from the federal government.

Frequently Asked Questions About the Alcatraz Thanksgiving Ceremony

• What is the significance of holding the Thanksgiving ceremony on Alcatraz? Alcatraz Island holds deep historical significance as the site of a 19-month Native American occupation in 1969, symbolizing resistance and a demand for sovereignty.
• What is the purpose of an “Unthanksgiving” ceremony? An “Unthanksgiving” ceremony challenges the traditional narrative of Thanksgiving, acknowledging the historical trauma experienced by Indigenous peoples due to colonization.
• Who organizes the Indigenous Peoples Thanksgiving Sunrise Gathering? The International Indian Treaty Council (IITC) is a key organizer of the annual gathering, alongside numerous other Indigenous organizations and individuals.
• How can I support Indigenous communities beyond attending the ceremony? You can support Indigenous communities by donating to Native-led organizations, advocating for policy changes that protect Indigenous rights, and educating yourself about Indigenous history and culture.
• What was the outcome of the 1969 Alcatraz occupation? While the occupation was eventually dismantled by federal authorities, it played a crucial role in galvanizing the Native American rights movement and raising awareness about Indigenous issues.