The Occupation of Alcatraz was a 19-month long protest which began on this day in 1969, when 89 Native Americans and their supporters occupied and reclaimed Alcatraz Island as indigenous land.

The protest was led by Richard Oakes and Grace Thorpe. The group chose the name Indians of All Tribes (IOAT) for themselves and lived on the island together until the protest was forcibly ended by the U.S. government.

IOAT claimed that, under the Treaty of Fort Laramie between the U.S. and the Lakota tribe, all retired, abandoned, or out-of-use federal land was returned to the Indians who once occupied it.

By late May of 1971, the government had cut off all electrical power and all telephone service to the island. Left without power, fresh water, and in the face of diminishing public support and sympathy, the number of occupiers began to dwindle. On June 11th, 1971, a large force of federal officers removed the remaining 15 people from the island.

A Look Back at the Occupation of Alcatraz, 51 Years Later

reminders:

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Links To Resources (Aid and Theory):

Aid:

Theory:

  • Carl [he/him]@hexbear.net
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    16 hours ago

    god damnit every day I’m staying up later than the one before, I guess if I keep it up I’ll eventually wrap back around to a normal schedule but

    • woodenghost [comrade/them]@hexbear.net
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      14 hours ago

      But how are you gonna stop then? It’s also possible to spin out of control faster and faster. Best to bring it under control immediately. … I’m saying that, but I know all to well from experience it’s not that easy, best of luck.

      • FunkyStuff [he/him]@hexbear.net
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        14 hours ago

        In my experience it’s much easier to just pull an all nighter to wrap back around, then commit to something that will get you in bed earlier (like working out). The tough part is being consistent about going to bed early and not using screens before bed when that’s a habit of yours, but that’s discipline.