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50th Anniversary of Alcatraz Occupation Gallery

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In November 2019, hundreds of people from around the country came to Alcatraz to celebrate a momentous event in the Native American rights movement: The 50th anniversary of the 19-month Occupation of Alcatraz from 1969 to 1971. Here are photos of the series of events that took place on the island.

Check out our interview with some of the original occupiers who were present for the celebrations to hear about their experiences living on Alcatraz and the lasting impact of their legacy.

  • Man in native american headress looking out window of bars
    Participant of 50th anniversary of the occupation of Alcatraz in the New Industries Building looking westward. Ryan Curran White/Parks Conservancy
  • Alcatraz occupier waves after painting political slogan during 50th anniversary celebration
    Jonathan Lucero waves to a crowd during the Alcatraz Occupation 50th Anniversary after re-painting a political slogan. Ryan Curran White/Parks Conservancy
  • woman's smile shines so bright on alcatraz
    The original occupiers of Alcatraz and their families helped to repaint the slogans on buildings at Alcatraz. Ryan Curran White/Parks Conservancy
  • two woman on stage with banner
    The gathering for the 50th anniversary of the Occupation of Alcatraz brought recognition to many tribes in attendance as well as those there in spirit. Ryan Curran White/Parks Conservancy
  • Woman at microphone
    NPS park rangers and officials spoke of the deep connection and ties of Native Americans to Alcatraz. Ryan Curran White/Parks Conservancy
  • Tipi on Alcatraz with Golden Gate Bridge in background
    Tipi commemorating the 50th Anniversary of the Alcatraz Occupation Ryan Curran White/Parks Conservancy
  • red eagle painted on white
    Slogans repainted at the dock of Alcatraz recreate those painted during the Occupation of Alcatraz. Will Elder/National Park Service
  • crowd of people on cement
    A crowd of attendees and visitors to Alcatraz watch as slogans from the occupation of Alcatraz are repainted onto the building at the dock. Will Elder/National Park Service
  • girl posing for picture with paintbrush
    Family members of the occupiers of Alcatraz helped to repaint the slogans. Will Elder/National Park Service
  • Profile of man with golden gate bridge in background. The tide is going out and the sky is blue.
    Seen on Alcatraz during the 50th anniversary of the Occupation. Will Elder/National Park Service
  • people look at art on walls
    As part of the celebration, there is an exhibit of photographs by different photographers who witnessed the occupation of Alcatraz. Will Elder/National Park Service
  • Man playing saxophone surrounded by slogans about Red Power on Alcatraz
    Many artists participated in the celebration of the 50th anniversary of the occupation of Alcatraz Will Elder/National Park Service
  • women walk past black and white photos
    The photographs of Stephen Shames were among those presented in the exhibit at Alcatraz Paul Myers/Parks Conservancy
  • drum
    Drum seen at the event's open microphone. Paul Myers/Parks Conservancy
  • black and white photo behind two people
    The photos of Stephen Shames behind performers at the event. Paul Myers/Parks Conservancy
  • woman and man on a stage
    Program participants perform songs for the attendees. Paul Myers/Parks Conservancy
  • man and woman surrounded by black and white photos
    Photographer Ilka Hartmann and Eloy Martinez surrounded by her photographs. Paul Myers/Parks Conservancy
  • black and white photograph
    The photographs of Ilka Hartmann were among those presented in the exhibit at Alcatraz. This one is of Richard Oakes, the leader of the occupation. Paul Myers/Parks Conservancy
  • backs of a crowd
    The attendees watch the repainting of the slogans on the buildings of Alcatraz Paul Myers/Parks Conservancy
  • people at podium with microphone
    A photo op where stories were told about being on Alcatraz during the occupation while slogans were repainted overhead. Paul Myers/Parks Conservancy
  • main paints on building
    Slogans repainted at the dock of Alcatraz recreate those painted during the Occupation of Alcatraz. Paul Myers/Parks Conservancy
  • woman waves banner
    Woman welcomes visitors to Alcatraz during the 50th anniversary of the occupation. Paul Myers/Parks Conservancy
  • man salutes
    Powerful memories surfaced during the 50th anniversary of the occupation of Alcatraz. Paul Myers/Parks Conservancy
  • people sing and play drums
    On the ferry off the island, attendees of the 50th anniversary of the occupation of Alcatraz sing and drum to the crowd's delight. Paul Myers/Parks Conservancy