SYNOPSIS:

The Indians were landless. In 1969, the natives wanted to own something. They had the 1868 Laramie Treaty which stated they could have whatever the US government wasn’t using. Since Alcatraz was now vacant, they decided to claim it. The island was perfect because it was similar to the reservations they were used to, lacking utilities, food, water, clothing, and shelter. They could live like Indians, but own the land they were on. After four attempts, they were in – living in a prison. But no deed was given to them. They protested. And alcohol was as much of a protest for the Indian, as it was a drink. The US government, at this time, was dealing with protests everywhere, from the Vietnam War to the Black Panthers. President Nixon decided to use a wait and see approach to the Alcatraz Occupation rather than military force. After nineteen months, his prediction came true. Boredom, booze, and bickering did the natives in. In a sense, they became white, which ironically is just what they wanted to avoid. Forty-five flashbacks are inserted showing many of the events Native Americans have suffered from the Pilgrims to the present day.

Songs: FIRE WATER and BORN ANGEL