HIGHLIGHTS FROM DIVA - A UNIQUE HISTORY OF ALCATRAZ

Alcatraz --one of the most iconic symbols in San Francisco's history, eternally popularized through both fiction and fact.  Despite the popular media depictions and fantastical tales stemming from the island's intriguing past, many people are unaware of its unique history within the context of the Native American community.  During the late 1960s and early 1970s the island and former prison facility was home to a group of resilient Native Americans attempting to gain indefinite ownership rights to the land.  Native American Alcatraz Proclamation and Occupation and Ownership of Alcatraz Island are unique videos hosted on DIVA that document the motives, claims, and intentions for the natives' occupation of the island and their hopes for negotiations with the Federal government.  Take a look at these additional videos that discuss the sentiments of the Native Americans and their thoughts on the occupation movement to gain insight into the hardship of the occupation and the personal toll it took on the activists.  The aftermath of the occupation and its ensuing influence and legacy are also discussed in this film created for the 20th Anniversary of the occupation and this film on the consequential progression of Native American communities after the event.  Check out the Occupation of Alcatraz Collection in the San Francisco Bay Area Television Archive to learn more!