50th Anniversary of Alcatraz Occupation in 2019 Gallery

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.

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

Tipi on Alcatraz with Golden Gate Bridge in background
Tipi commemorating the 50th Anniversary of the Alcatraz Occupation

Ryan Curran White/Parks Conservancy

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

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

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

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

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

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