Red Power Movement.

By:Rafeeat Bishi

When we talk about civil rights movements we leave out the important movements for other marginalized groups, such as the Chicanx movements of the 60s or the movements for Japanese Americans' citizenship. When researching for our Indigenous projects, I learned about the Red Power Movement.

The movement was aimed at restoring ownership over land and protesting against racism and violence against their communities.

The movement originated on the Island of Alcatraz, home to the former maximum-security prison. In a symbol of reclamation, the Indigenous people occupied the island and named it for All Natives to come. They stayed for over a year. The occupation remained peaceful and demanded that the Nixon administration give the deed for Island. 

The Island became settled with over 600 people and they established a community, complete with a clinic, a school, and a public relations department. 

After a few tragedies and disorganization (drugs had infiltrated the Island 
(according to History.com -_-), Nixon cut power to the Island. The Natives were forced out.

Now, the Island is home to displays of the historical event and Indigenous history. Federal laws were passed in order to preserve Indigenous culture and history as a result. 

I hope that we can learn more about these movements in school. I had only known Alcatraz to be some big bad prison. Instead, it was home to one of the largest (and successful) uprisings in American history. Maybe some Americans don't like to reckon with the fact that they lost. Hahaha

I want to research some accounts from actual participants/descendants to make sure I have the full story!