Panel Discussion: Memories of the Occupation of Alcatraz (1969-1971)
Discussion with Tishmall Turner (Rincon Band of Luiseño Indians) and Edward Willie (Pomo/Wailaki/Wintu), facilitated by Chico State Professors Don Hankins (Miwok) and Browning Michael Neddeau (Citizen Potawatomi Nation).
November 15, 7:00-8:00pm (Zoom)
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Between November 20, 1969 and June 11, 1971 the activist group Indians of All Tribes (IOAT) occupied Alcatraz Island in the San Francisco Bay. Connected to the American Indian Movement, and initially led by Native American university students, the occupation was a visible stand against federal Indian policy and served as an inspiration point for Pan-Indian activism.
Tishmall Turner currently serves as Vice Chair of the Rincon Tribal Council. She is the first full-time California Indian Tribal Liaison in the California State University system, since 2007 for CSU San Marcos. She also serves on the National Museum of American Indian National Advisory Council. She is a member of the National Indian Education Association and has assisted in publishing children's books and annual calendars in the Luiseño language among other cultural projects.
After graduating from UC Berkeley with a degree in Native Studies, Edward (Redbird) Willie has worked in various fields of education and is fueled by his desire to uncover and rekindle the cultural earth-based knowledge of California Indians. Edward is an artist, native ecologist, graphic designer, basketweaver, regalia maker and permaculturist.