American Indians to Recognize Indigenous Peoples Day at Alcatraz Island

Levi Rickert, editor-in-chief in Native Currents. Discussion »

SAN FRANCISCO - On Monday, October 10 American Indians in the San Francisco Bay area will recognize Indigenous Peoples Day on Alcatraz Island. The event is being sponsored by the International Indian Treaty Council and American Indian Contemporary Arts.

Honoring Defenders

Organizers are billing the event with flyer that reads:

“Commemorating 519 years of Indigenous Resistance and Honoring Struggles to Protect our Sacred Places.”

There will be a program with Lakota Harden serving as the emcee. Several speakers are slated to speak on indigenous issues. Special guests include Leonard Foster, Dine and Ron Lameman, Cree.

Aztec and Pomo dancers will as part of the day's events.

"I send my energy to let the whole world know that the Native people aren't going to go anywhere. We will overcome," Carlos Romero, an Aztec dancer, told Native News Network on why it is important for him to participate at Alcatraz on October 10.

“We are still here. We will overcome everything that has happened to us.”

There will be a special honoring for the defenders of Sogorea Te, the sacred site at Glen Cove. The defenders took part in a 109 day spiritual encampment that began in April and ended in July.

Boats leave at 5:15 am, 5:30 am, 5:45 am and 6:00 am for the sunrise program. Boat rides cost $11. Children under 5 years old are free. The boats are wheelchair accessible.

This event will be simulcast on KPFA 94.1

posted September 29, 2011 8:20 am edt