More to History: Native American Solidarity at Alcatraz

In November 1969, a group of Native American activists, many of them students, occupied the abandoned federal penitentiary on Alcatraz Island in San Francisco Bay. Their action, which lasted until June 1971, became a defining moment in the struggle for Native American self-determination. Yet the story of Native American solidarity at Alcatraz cannot be told without the broader context of Indigenous resistance and service—from the battlefields of World War II to the stages of American ballet. This article explores the occupation alongside the legacy of the Navajo Code Talkers, including Samuel Sandoval and Carl Gorman, whose sacred language helped secure Allied victories in the Pacific. Their stories illuminate a history of both persecution and profound contribution, and they underscore why Alcatraz remains a symbol of Native survival and sovereignty.

The Occupation of Alcatraz: A Turning Point in Native Activism

On November 20, 1969, the group Indians of All Tribes began an occupation of Alcatraz Island that would last for nineteen months. The activists cited the Treaty of Fort Laramie of 1868, which promised unused federal land to Native peoples, and offered to purchase the island for “$24 in glass beads and red cloth”—a symbolic reference to the sale of Manhattan. The occupation drew national attention to the poverty, unemployment, and lack of educational opportunities on many reservations. It also inspired a generation of Native activists and led to policy changes, including the end of the termination era and the passage of the Indian Self-Determination and Education Assistance Act of 1975. The occupation was not merely a protest; it was a reclamation of narrative and a demand for historical justice. To understand the depth of this demand, one must consider the centuries of broken treaties and forced removals that preceded it, such as the Trail of Tears and the Indian Removal Act of 1830, which set a pattern of dispossession that Alcatraz activists sought to reverse.

From Alcatraz to the Pacific: The Legacy of Native Service

While the Alcatraz occupation symbolized resistance at home, Native Americans were also writing a different kind of history abroad. In World War II, the Navajo Code Talkers used their unwritten Diné language to create an unbreakable code for the U.S. military. Among them was Samuel Sandoval, who enlisted in the Marine Corps at age 18. He and his fellow Code Talkers developed a code that the enemy never cracked, and their contributions were critical to every major Pacific battle, including Iwo Jima. Historian Zonnie Gorman, daughter of Code Talker Carl Gorman, has worked tirelessly to preserve this legacy. The code began in World War I with the Choctaw and other tribes, but it was the Navajo achievement that became most famous. These heroes served their country even as their own people faced persecution and assimilationist policies at home. Their story is one of extraordinary courage and a powerful reminder that Native American history is not solely a story of victimhood but also of agency, skill, and patriotism.

The Unbreakable Code and Its Origins

The Navajo Code Talkers built upon a strategy that began in World War I with the Choctaw, Comanche, and other Native nations. In 1942, the Marine Corps recruited twenty-nine Navajos to develop a code based on their language. The code used Navajo words to represent military terms and was so effective that it remained undeciphered by the Japanese. The Code Talkers participated in every major Pacific campaign from Guadalcanal to Okinawa, and their work saved countless lives. For more on their legacy, see how Native American Code Talkers pioneered a new type of military intelligence.

Alcatraz and the Code Talkers: Parallels of Resistance and Service

At first glance, the Alcatraz occupation and the Code Talkers may seem unrelated. Yet both reflect a deep commitment to Native sovereignty and cultural survival. The Code Talkers used their sacred language as a weapon of war, while the Alcatraz activists used the island as a stage to demand the return of ancestral lands. Both actions challenged the federal government’s assimilationist policies and asserted Native identity in the public sphere. The occupation also drew attention to the need for Native American studies programs and the preservation of Indigenous languages, which had been suppressed in boarding schools. The Code Talkers’ story, popularized in books and films, helped to combat stereotypes and foster pride. Together, they illustrate the resilience of Native peoples in the face of adversity.

The Role of Native Leaders in Breaking Barriers

Beyond Alcatraz and the Code Talkers, Native American leaders have broken barriers in many fields. From battlefields to ballet stages, individuals like Maria Tallchief, America’s first prima ballerina, defied expectations and honored their heritage. These leaders—whether in the arts, military, or activism—embody the enduring spirit of resistance and contribute to a richer understanding of American history. Their achievements remind us that Native history is not confined to the past but continues to shape the present.

Historical Context & Key Cultural Takeaways

Historical Context and Cultural Significance

The Alcatraz occupation and the Navajo Code Talkers both emerged from a long history of Native American resistance and adaptation. The occupation explicitly invoked treaty rights and highlighted the government’s failure to honor its agreements. The Code Talkers, meanwhile, served a country that had not yet granted them full citizenship in all states. Their contributions were crucial to the war effort, yet their stories were often classified or overlooked for decades. Both stories are now recognized as essential chapters in Native American history. They demonstrate that Native peoples have consistently fought for their rights, whether on the battlefield or through political protest. The cultural significance lies in the assertion of sovereignty and the preservation of language and heritage.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

What was the purpose of the Alcatraz occupation?

The occupation aimed to reclaim unused federal land under the Treaty of Fort Laramie, protest the U.S. government’s termination policies, and demand better living conditions and educational opportunities for Native Americans. It also sought to establish a Native American cultural center.

Who were the Navajo Code Talkers?

The Navajo Code Talkers were a group of Navajo Marines who used their native language to create an unbreakable code for military communications during World War II. Their code was never cracked and proved vital in the Pacific theater.

How did the Code Talkers’ strategy begin?

The strategy began in World War I with the Choctaw, who used their language for military communications. In World War II, the Navajo were specifically recruited to develop a more complex code based on their language.

What is the legacy of Samuel Sandoval and Zonnie Gorman?

Samuel Sandoval was one of the last original Navajo Code Talkers, and his service helped secure Allied victories. Zonnie Gorman, a historian and daughter of Code Talker Carl Gorman, has dedicated her career to preserving and sharing the Code Talkers’ legacy through education and public speaking.

How are these histories preserved today?

Historical sites like Alcatraz are managed by the National Park Service with interpretive programs. The Code Talkers’ legacy is preserved through museums, oral histories, and legislation such as the Navajo Code Talkers Recognition Act. Organizations like the Navajo Code Talkers Foundation work to honor their contributions.

Concluding Synthesis: Cultural Legacy and Modern Preservation

The Alcatraz occupation and the Navajo Code Talkers represent two powerful strands of Native American history: the fight for sovereignty at home and the defense of freedom abroad. Both stories are now integral to public memory, taught in schools and commemorated in museums. The occupation led to the creation of the American Indian Movement and influenced federal policy. The Code Talkers received the Congressional Gold Medal in 2000. Preservation efforts continue, including the restoration of Alcatraz as a historical site and the ongoing work of the Navajo Code Talkers Foundation. Understanding these histories is essential to appreciating the resilience and contributions of Native peoples, and to ensuring that their stories are told with accuracy and respect.