Alcatraz: From Prison to Protest

This chapter examines Alcatraz Island's evolution from a notorious prison to a pivotal site of Native American activism, particularly during the 1969 occupation led by the American Indian Movement. It highlights the symbolic significance of the island, the complexities of U.S. governmental responses, and the efforts of indigenous activists to claim the land and engage the public in their struggle for rights. The narrative underscores the resilience of these movements amidst historical injustices and the evolving relationship between Native communities and the federal government.