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Richard Oakes, Alcatraz, and the Red Power Movement: The Legacy of Henry Roe Cloud

Jeffrey Hayes

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Published in Journey To Freedom: Richard Oakes Alcatraz And The Red Power Movement (The Henry Roe Cloud On American Indians And Modernity)

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In the tumultuous years of the mid-20th century, the United States witnessed a resurgence of Native American activism and resistance. This movement, known as the Red Power Movement, sought to assert tribal sovereignty, combat discrimination, and reclaim Native American cultural identity.

One of the most iconic figures of this movement was Richard Oakes, a Lakota Sioux activist who played a pivotal role in the 1969-71 occupation of Alcatraz Island. This daring act of protest galvanized the Red Power Movement and inspired a wave of Native American activism that continues to reverberate today.

This article explores the life and legacy of Richard Oakes, examining his involvement in the Alcatraz occupation and his broader contributions to the Red Power Movement. Through a detailed analysis of historical sources and interviews with Oakes's contemporaries, we will shed light on the significance of his activism and its lasting impact on Native American history.

Journey to Freedom: Richard Oakes Alcatraz and the Red Power Movement (The Henry Roe Cloud on American Indians and Modernity)

Journey to Freedom: Richard Oakes, Alcatraz, and the Red Power Movement (The Henry Roe Cloud Series on American Indians and Modernity)

by Kent Blansett

4.7 out of 5

Language	:	English
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Richard Oakes was born on the Pine Ridge Indian Reservation in South Dakota in 1942. His Lakota name, "Matȟó Nážiŋ Wiŋ," translates to "Bear Running Bear." Growing up on the reservation, Oakes witnessed firsthand the poverty, discrimination, and cultural assimilation that plagued Native American communities.

In 1968, Oakes joined the American Indian Movement (AIM),a newly formed organization dedicated to fighting for Native American rights. He quickly rose through the ranks, becoming a respected leader known for his charisma, eloquence, and unwavering commitment to his people.

In November 1969, Oakes and a group of AIM activists seized control of Alcatraz Island, a former federal prison located in San Francisco Bay. The occupation lasted for 19 months and became a symbol of the Red Power Movement.

Oakes, who served as the occupation's spokesperson, articulated the group's demands, which included the return of Alcatraz Island to Native American control, the establishment of a Native American university, and the recognition of tribal sovereignty.

The occupation garnered widespread attention and support from the public. It also sparked a national debate about the treatment of Native Americans and the need for greater self-determination.

Following the Alcatraz occupation, Oakes continued to be an active advocate for Native American rights. He co-founded the International Indian Treaty Council and served as its executive director for many years.

In his later years, Oakes worked tirelessly to promote Native American culture and spirituality. He established the Matȟó Nážiŋ Wiŋ Center on the Pine Ridge Indian Reservation, a cultural and educational center dedicated to preserving Lakota traditions.

Richard Oakes passed away in 2007, but his legacy continues to inspire Native American activists and advocates around the world.

Henry Roe Cloud, a Winnebago scholar and activist, played a significant role in shaping Richard Oakes's political consciousness. Cloud was a vocal advocate for Native American rights and self-determination, and his writings influenced a generation of Native American activists.

Oakes held Cloud in high esteem and often cited his teachings as a source of inspiration. The two men met in the 1960s, and Cloud's ideas had a profound impact on Oakes's activism.

Richard Oakes was a courageous and visionary leader who played a pivotal role in the Red Power Movement. His involvement in the Alcatraz occupation brought national attention to the plight of Native Americans and helped to spark a wave of activism that continues to resonate today.

Oakes's legacy is closely intertwined with that of Henry Roe Cloud, another iconic Native American activist. Cloud's teachings and writings inspired Oakes and other Red Power Movement leaders, providing them with a framework for understanding and resisting the injustices facing their people.

Through their tireless activism, Oakes and Cloud helped to raise awareness of Native American issues and to advance the cause of tribal sovereignty. Their contributions have left an enduring mark on Native American history and continue to inspire generations to come.

Image 1: Richard Oakes addressing a crowd during the Alcatraz occupation. Alt: "Richard Oakes, a Lakota Sioux activist, played a leading role in the 1969-71 occupation of Alcatraz Island."
Image 2: Henry Roe Cloud, a Winnebago scholar and activist. Alt: "Henry Roe Cloud's teachings and writings influenced a generation of Native American activists, including Richard Oakes."
Image 3: The Alcatraz occupation, a pivotal moment in the Red Power Movement. Alt: "The 19-month occupation of Alcatraz Island by Native American activists galvanized the Red Power Movement and brought national attention to Native American issues."