“We Hold the Rock,” Native Activism on Alcatraz

This lesson introduces students to the history of American Indian activism in California and the occupation of Alcatraz Island in 1969-1971. This lesson provides a historical context of resistance on Ohlone homelands since colonial invasion and examines Native activism in the 1970s to demonstrate Native peoples' relationship to their homelands, their fraught legal relationship with the United States, and their prior existing and more legitimate sovereignty. This lesson expands on students’ knowledge of history, their critical thinking skills, and media literacy skills by inviting them to examine primary sources with interactive activities. Essential Questions: Where is Alcatraz island? Whose homeland is it part of? What factors led to the Native American reclamation and occupation of Alcatraz? How was the Native American occupation of Alcatraz depicted in the media at the time it was happening? What were some dissenting views and opinions of the occupation of Alcatraz amongst Native peoples? What is the lasting significance of Native activism on Alcatraz for Native peoples in California and beyond? Practices: The teacher must understand the importance of highlighting intertribal political activism on occupied California Indian homelands. The teacher must be prepared to actively engage students with questions and coach them through how to read primary sources critically. Learning Targets for students: I can understand that newspapers and news reels are crafted narratives rather than objective truths. I can work with a group to be creative and imagine alternative headlines from different points of view. I can create useful and thorough notes after reading a personal narrative of an historic event.