United Indians of All Tribes Foundation (U.S.)

Alcatraz Island was occupied in November 1969 by about 100 Native Americans, many of them students, the Indians of All Tribes. Led by Richard Oakes, the occupation was organized to draw attention to the plight of Native Americans and to encourage their self-determination. After changes in leadership, the influx of non-Native persons, growing violence and drug abuse, and increasing isolation of the community, the federal government was prompted to remove the Indians from the island in June 1971.

Historical Note

Alcatraz Island was occupied in November 1969 by Indians of All Tribes, a group of about one hundred Native American college students and activists from UCLA and the San Francisco Bay Area. Led by Richard Oakes, the occupation was organized to draw attention to the sociopolitical situation of Native Americans and to encourage their self-determination. After changes in leadership, the influx of non-Native persons, growing violence and drug abuse, and increasing isolation in the community, the federal government was prompted to remove the Indians from the island in June 1971.