Remembering Alcatraz

This year marks the 40th anniversary of the occupation of Alcatraz by the Indians of All Tribes, perhaps one of the most significant acts of activism conducted by Native Americans to date. Led by Mohawk activist Richard Oakes,  Indians from diverse tribes across the country occupied Alcatraz for 19 months from Nov. 20, 1969 to June 11, 1971.

“We will purchase said Alcatraz Island for twenty-four dollars in glass beads and red cloth,” reads the Alcatraz proclamation “a precedent set by the white man’s purchase of a similar island about 300 years ago.  We know that $24 in trade goods for these 16 acres is more than was paid when Manhattan Island was sold…”

The proclamation used humor to make earnest demands aimed at improved rights for Native Americans while pointing out glaring truths in our history, that are often swept under the rug.

Their bold action was the  the first indication that Native American culture could rise again. “Alcatraz was a big enough symbol that for the first time this century Indians were taken seriously,” Lakota scholar Vine Deloria Jr. said.

The occupation led to real changes such as the creation of Indian-studies programs, tribal museums and increases in funding for college students. It inspired the Longest Walk, a march to Washington to protect Indian rights which successfully contributed to the passage of the American Indian Religious Freedom Act.  The occupation is also attributed to the removal of federal Indian termination policy, which was replaced with legislation that supported self-determination.

In 2009, Alcatraz should still call to us as we stand at a pivotal moment in history where we decide what relationship we would like to have with our earth. America’s first people hold values that can guide us toward a balanced connection with the land, one founded on respect rather than conquest. They bring song and dance and remind us of the oldest and deepest sense of ourselves.

In order to understand who we are, we must officially recognize our past. A few steps practically knocking at our door would go a long way to do so. First, the US should sign the  United Nations Declaration on the Rights of  Indigenous Peoples which declares indigenous rights to their lands and cultures. The non-binding General Assembly vote was 143 in favor four against and 11 abstentions.  The US, Canada, Australia and New Zealand voted against with Australia changing its vote this April.

As we all know an apology goes a long way, let us follow the lead of Australia and Canada by offering a formal apology this Thanksgiving to the Native Americans and agree to go forward with a new reconciliation.

Reviving Native American culture is to remember our own spirit, and to heal the wounds of our collective past so that we can move forward.