Alcatraz! Alcatraz!: The Indian Occupation of 1969-1971

by Adam Fortunate Eagle, Ilka Hartmann (Photographer)

Describes the goals and results of the protest

Genres: History, Nonfiction

Paperback

First published June 1, 1992

Reviews

[John Johnson · Rating 4 out of 5]

Alcatraz! Alcatraz! relays first- and second-hand accounts of an effort by American Indians to exercise sovereignty over the abandoned federal prison in the San Francisco Bay. Author Adam Fortunate Eagle was a key participant in the 1969-1971 campaign and he provides granular detail on the aspirations, tactics, “cause celebre,” government opposition, and the legacy of the occupation. Fortunate Eagle’s writing style is accessible, peppered with wry humor, and he is humble about the contributions of others and charitable in his portrayals of activists with whom he disagreed. This book is an easy and informative read about an important moment in American and indigenous history.

[shehzil · Rating 5 out of 5]

Short and quick read. Really interesting info on what was a pivotal moment in Bay Area & indigenous history, which is mostly glossed over even when you visit the island!!

[teyanna · Rating 4 out of 5]

Loved!! Used for history research but ended up reading the whole book bc it was fascinating. Weaving history and personal experience so mwah mwah

[Jen Mays · Rating 4 out of 5]

In 1969, in an effort to draw attention to the poor treatment of Native people in the Bay Area (and nationally by association), a protest was organized in which the Bay Area Indian groups reclaimed the island of Alcatraz for the Indian people. Alcatraz was in a state of limbo, transitioning out of the federal prison system and being debated in terms of its next life. For a short time, selling it for development was under consideration and it was during the debate of this consideration that Indians took action.

While at first it seemed primarily symbolic, with a previous attempt or two resolved after a day of ceremony and speeches, a small group of Indians eventually landed on the island during a night attempt and claimed ownership while the public watched. Government officials were not able to just wade in and clear them out while under such scrutiny and the occupation grew in size and longevity as a result.

This is the personal account of one of the initial organizers who had a role in developing the plans and the proclamation but did not make it onto the island itself. Instead, a couple of his children were present while he stayed on the mainland and often served as a spokesperson and point of contact for the movement. He describes the events building up to, as he calls it, the Indian D-Day, and the progression and slow disintegration as public interest waned, government patience faded, and internal conflicts eventually ended things.

This was a short book, partially filled with photographs of people on the island during the occupation, but as a Bay Area-born resident and someone also interested in Native American culture and concerns, I found it interesting for both the local interest and political event spectrums. I've been to Alcatraz and have seen the markings left behind, and I've met the author at the pow wow where I purchased the book so I definitely felt a personal connection on some level. I don't know how well the book might translate to someone without those connections.

[HeavyReader · Rating 4 out of 5]

This is a great account of what happened when US native people from many differnt tribes took over the abandoned Alcatraz prison. Learn more about this seldom discussed incident in recent US history.

[tin_foil_tinnu · Rating 3 out of 5]

More Alcatraz stories. Read for informative purposes, to learn about the occupation before the 50th anniversary.