11.2 Major protests and demonstrations (e.g., Alcatraz, Wounded Knee)

Native American activism in the 1960s and 70s saw major protests that shook the nation. The occupations of Alcatraz Island and Wounded Knee were bold moves that brought Native issues to the forefront of public consciousness.

These demonstrations, along with the Trail of Broken Treaties and The Longest Walk, demanded recognition of tribal sovereignty and treaty rights. They sparked a new era of Native American civil rights activism and political engagement.

Occupation Protests

Alcatraz Island Occupation

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• Native American activists occupied Alcatraz Island from 1969 to 1971
• Indians of All Tribes organization led the occupation
• Protesters demanded the return of the island to Native Americans
• Occupation lasted 19 months, drawing national attention to Native American issues
• Activists established a community on the island, including a school and clinic
• Federal government eventually removed the occupiers in June 1971
• Occupation inspired other Native American protest movements across the country

Wounded Knee Occupation

• Occurred in 1973 on the Pine Ridge Reservation in South Dakota
• American Indian Movement (AIM) led the 71-day occupation
• Protesters demanded U.S. government honor treaties with Native American tribes
• Occupation resulted from conflicts between AIM and tribal leadership
• Federal law enforcement surrounded the occupied town, leading to armed standoffs
• Two Native Americans killed and one federal agent wounded during the occupation
• Ended with negotiations and the arrest of occupation leaders
• Brought national attention to issues of tribal sovereignty and treaty rights

Government Protests

Trail of Broken Treaties

• Cross-country protest caravan organized by AIM in 1972
• Native American activists traveled from West Coast to Washington D.C.
• Presented a 20-point proposal to reform federal-Indian policy
• Demands included restoration of treaty-making and land returns
• Culminated in the occupation of the Bureau of Indian Affairs headquarters
• Protesters seized and occupied the BIA building for six days
• Occupation resulted in extensive property damage and document theft
• Government eventually negotiated with protesters to end the occupation

The Longest Walk

• 1978 spiritual march from San Francisco to Washington D.C.
• Organized to protest legislation threatening Native American rights
• Participants walked over 3,000 miles to raise awareness of Native issues
• March commemorated the forced relocation of Native tribes in the 19th century
• Protesters demanded protection of tribal land and abolishment of anti-Indian laws
• Thousands joined the march at various points along the route
• Resulted in meetings with federal officials and increased public awareness
• Inspired subsequent Longest Walk events in following decades