SAN FRANCISCO (KCBS) -- There was a gathering on Alcatraz Island Thursday to honor those who occupied the former federal prison 40 years ago.
It was early in the morning on Thanksgiving, 1969 when two boats carrying Native Americans headed for Alcatraz for what became a 19 month occupation.
KCBS’ Susan Kennedy Reports
Lenny Foster was one of those who took part in the occupation.
"We became more aware of the treaty rights that we had that our ancestors had signed with the United States government and it made us more determined to obtain our civil rights, human rights, treaty rights," Foster said.
The takeover was one of the most successful protests by American Indians and it changed many things for Native Americans, but Foster said there is still a lot to accomplish.
"The declaration of human rights for indigenous people has to be signed, acknowledged and approved by the present administration," Foster said. "And these things are what open many doors for us in the area of education, housing, transportation, water rights."
And while Native Americans call Thanksgiving Un-Thanksgiving Day, they are thankful that their culture still survives.
(kmi)
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