2019 marks 50 years since the Occupation of Alcatraz by the Indians of All Tribes, a key milestone in the history of the island, our country, and the broader Native American civil rights movement.

Over the course of 19 months (to reflect the length of the 1969 occupation), the National Park Service and Indians of All Tribes are hosting a menu of events and a special art exhibition, Red Power on Alcatraz: Perspectives 50 Years Later. At this exhibition, from November 2019 until June 2021, visitors can see historic photographs by Ilka Hartmann and Stephen Shames, original materials from the collection of Kent Blansett, and contributions from the community of veteran occupiers. For more information about the anniversary and events, including the Indians of All Tribes Days on the island as well as the ticketed Thanksgiving Sunrise Gathering on Alcatraz, visit the National Park Service website. That site also has a listing of anniversary events throughout San Francisco and beyond, hosted by the Presidio Trust, San Francisco Public Library, the San Francisco Arts Commission, and many more groups.

Check out our Q&A with one of the original occupiers, Eloy Martinez.