Heart of the Rock: The Indian Invasion of Alcatraz

by Adam Fortunate Eagle, Tim Findley, Vine Deloria Jr. (Foreword)

In 1969, Ricahrd Oakes and Adam Fortunate Eagle, then known as Adam Nordwall, instigated an invasion of Alcatraz by American Indians. From the mainland, Fortunate Eagle orchestrated the events, but they assumed an uncontrollable life of their own. Fortunate Eagle provides an intimate memoir of the occupation and the events leading up to it. Accompanied by a variety of photographs capturing the people, places, and actions involved, Heart of the Rock brings these turbulent times vividly to life.


From the start, public support was strong. Money poured in from around the country. Sausalito sailors and their "navy" transported supplies and people to the island. San Fransisco restaurants sent Thanksgiving dinner. A school was started; chores and responsibilities were shared by everyone. Alcatraz became home, and American Indians of all tribes became a family.


But the occupation lasted two years, and Oakes, who had become it spokesman, left after his stepdaughter's death on the island. Memoranda from the White House recommended doing "anything" to turn the public against the occupation so it could be ended. Water and electricity were cut off, reports of conflict on the island began appearing in the press, and suspicious fires burned five buildings. Nevertheless, the occupation of Alcatraz remains what historian Vine Deloria, Jr. has called "perhaps the most significant Indian action since the Little Bighorn."

Genres: Nonfiction, Indigenous

232 pages, Hardcover

First published April 1, 2002

Reviews

[Gwynne · Rating 4 out of 5]

As Fortunate Eagle says, this is one perspective on the Alcatraz occupation. He provides a fascinating glimpse into an event often ignored. More interesting than the history is, to some degree, his own memory of the incident and his complicated relationship with the other players and the island itself.

[Beaver · Rating 3 out of 5]

Meh

[Mattilda]

What an incredible account of the Indian occupation of Alcatraz -- no doubt the suspense-filled style is helped by co-authorship with journalist Tim Findley -- really the dreams and incredible impact of this crazy year-and-a-half long dream (yes the occupation lasted for a year and a half!) that led to dramatic changes in pan-Indian identity and activism if not the results that the participants intended. Adam Fortunate Eagle was one of the instigators of the "invasion," so he brings a lot of insider knowledge although the only gap is that he didn't actually spend much time on the island during the occupation -- now I need to find a first-hand account from someone who spent that year-and-a-half on Alcatraz...

[Ben · Rating 4 out of 5]

A very good glimpse of the occupation of alcatraz from one person's perspective. You can tell he doesn't like certain people, like LaNada Means (nee Boyer). Fascinating look at details like the turf war between Indians and Samoans in the eastern part of the mission district in s.f.

[HeavyReader · Rating 3 out of 5]

I enjoyed reading this account of the Indian invasion of Alcatraz. I think there is a lot to be learned from that invasion.