I think this final week of lectures and events were some of the most important events that are really important to native communities today. I believe that the “Occupation of Alcatraz” and “ The Trail of Broken Tears” are important because many people most likely still remember the event and remembrance is one of the most important and powerful things that can spark and motivate social change. I think that if you were to ask older members of native communities who experienced these events, they would still be very passionate about the topics and hopefully still influence and want to change a new younger generation and their loved ones.
I think the “ Occupation of Alcatraz was also a true show of the times. Throughout the mid-60s to the early 70s social outcry was at a high and it was also a perfect time for native communities to speak their voice. I think that this “Occupation of Alcatraz” would not have happened if it was not within this era. I think that a movement like this would not happen today, I think that the courage and pride to occupy a public place and fight for months on end just to make a point is a testament to their pride in what they were fighting for. I think that the leadership and sacrifices that leader Richard Oakes displayed were truly incredible. I think he’s a true hero and the purest example of someone putting others before themselves. He was already helping individuals within San Francisco, but once the American Indian Center within San Francisco was destroyed he took initiative and gave those in need sanctuary. Even through discrimination from the government and law enforcement in goals of driving occupiers out (like power lines being cut and withholding supplies), he continued to fight and help those in need. However, he is also a great example of those individuals in the world who give all while the world just takes from them. That’s why it was insanely heartbreaking to learn that he lost his daughter and most likely his whole world. It was even more heartbreaking to learn that those who occupied Alcatraz finally had to leave just a few months later, without his leadership.
I think that what we learned this week is that big social change can be sparked by small amounts of people. I also think it’s important to pass on history and events while we have those who remember and experience them, to better ourselves and our future.