19. The siege of Alcatraz (1969) and its impact on Native American Civil Rights
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- Created on: 06-06-17 21:49
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- 19. The siege of Alcatraz (1969) and its impact on Native American Civil Rights
- Island of Alcatraz
- Originally belonged to Ohlone Indians before it had been taken and used as jail
- Now stood empty
- Group of NAs from range of tribes demanded its return
- Led by Richard Oakes, member of Mohawk tribe
- in symbolic gesture, occupiers offered government $24 in beads and cloth, price that had been paid to NAs for island of Manhattan
- Gov refused and numbers involved in siege increased to 80
- in symbolic gesture, occupiers offered government $24 in beads and cloth, price that had been paid to NAs for island of Manhattan
- Although NAs unsuccessful in regaining land
- Siege had some positive achievements
- Worldwide media coverage resulted from it made many aware of conditions of NAs and may have forced gov to reconsider policies
- Little doubt it encouraged many other NAs to become involved in movement, with some 10,000 visiting island during siege while others occupied other government owned land
- Important in bringing NAs together and uniting them in their struggle
- Significant change from start of period when tribes had been divided
- Now increased awareness of need for solidarity if NAs were to achieve their goal of 'native sovereignty'
- Siege had some positive achievements
- Impact of siege
- Encouraged further militant, sometimes violent, action
- Actions gained AIM national attention and publicity
- Hugely important as NAs were unable to achieve anything through ballot box as they made up only 1% of electorate
- Questionable impact of actions undertaken
- Although bought NAs publicity, some have argued struggle, as militia and police ended occupation, was counter-productive and went against NA beliefs
- Violence also split movement, with some opposed to such methods, and this further limited impact
- Further protests in 1970s
- 1971 Occupation of Mount Rushmore, Black Hills, Dakota
- Sacred burial ground of Sioux
- Protesters established camp
- Evicted but NAs continued to claim Black Hills and established further camps
- 1972: AIM take over Bureau of Indian Affairs, Washington DC
- Protest followed on from journey made by some 1000 protesters who travelled across US in 'Trail of Broken Treaties Caravan'
- Aim of protest to draw attention to treaties previous US gov had broken with NAs
- At time of presidential election, would gain them further publicity
- Supposed t be peaceful protest as marchers handed in list of approx. 20 issues to be resolved
- Due to being without accommodation, they took over Bureau and had to be evicted resulting in violence
- 1973: the occupation of Wounded Knee
- Site of Sioux massacre in 1890, Wounded Knee was particularly important place for NAs
- Occupation lasted for 71 days
- Saw violence and resistance to gov agents
- Negotiated settlement achieved but two leaders were later arrested, although they were acquitted
- 1975: Pine Ridge Reservation
- Near Wounded Knee
- Further violence broke out and resulted in shooting which left 2 FBI agents and a protester dead
- Member of AIM was found guilty of murder
- Appeal Court blamed killings on overreaction of authorities
- 1971 Occupation of Mount Rushmore, Black Hills, Dakota
- Overall
- Little doubt NAs had made progress in last decades of period
- Ending of tribal rivalry and subsequent unity had undoubtedly helped in bringing this about
- 'Red Power' movement had exerted considerable pressure on governments
- Govs saw NAs were capable of being more assertive
- This, alongside realisation from federal govs that NAs had previously been treated unfairly, was crucial factor in attainment of civil rights for NAs
- Island of Alcatraz
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