Activists mar5 Alcatraz ta5eover

Occupation in 1969 spurred a movement

SAN FRANCISCO — For Eloy Martinez, returning to Alcatraz Island meant a joyous reunion with people he hadn’t seen in decades. It also brought a renewed sense of hope and pride.

Martinez was among about 150 people who took windy boat rides to the island Wednesday for the first of three days of events marking the 50th anniversary of the island’s takeover by Native American activists. Martinez, who is Southern Ute, was one the original occupiers.

“It’s a day full of smiles, seeing all the people that we hadn’t seen — some I hadn’t seen in 50 years,” the 80-year-old said. “I wish … indigenous people could all be here and see all these people here today making the statement that we’re still here, and we’re going to be here, and we’re still resisting, and we’re not quitting.”

The occupation began Nov. 20, 1969, and lasted 19 months. Although it ended with people being forcibly removed from the island, it is seen as a watershed moment for tribes, reinvigorating them to stand up for their land, their rights and their identities. It also helped usher in a shift in federal policy toward self-determination, allowing tribes to take over federal programs on their land.

On Wednesday, speakers shared stories from the occupation and discussed its continuing relevance, including the inspiration it provides for today’s indigenous protesters, like those fighting a planned giant telescope on Hawaii’s Big Island.

They also helped restore messages painted by occupiers on a former barracks building at the Alcatraz dock. The words read: “Indianswelcome,” “United Indian Property” and “Indian Land.”

Dennis Turner, who is Luiseno, was among those who wrote the original messages and was there to help restore them. He said activists at the time felt they needed to take a stand for all Native Americans.

“That’s why people came here, to protect our tribal nations, sovereignty, our traditions, our religion and our sacred medicine that keep our tribal nations powerful,” Turner said.

Anniversary events also included the opening of an exhibit on the island called “Red Power on Alcatraz: Perspectives 50 Years Later.”

Eric Risberg The Associated Press Jason Morsette, of New Town, North Dakota, looks out toward the bay and the Golden Gate Bridge during ceremonies Wednesday to mark the 50th anniversary of the Native American occupation of Alcatraz Island off the California coast.