In 1969, a group of Native American activists occupied the abandoned Alcatraz Island in San Francisco Bay. The activists claimed the land under a treaty that said unused federal land should be returned to Native peoples. The occupation lasted for 19 months and drew national attention to the struggles of Native Americans and their demands for greater rights, self-determination, and respect for their cultures.
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About the inquiry
Compelling Question
How should we remember the Occupation of Alcatraz?
Standards
D2.His.7.9-12. Explain how the perspectives of people in the present shape interpretations of the past.
Instructional Snapshot
Class begins with the teacher dividing students into groups of 3 or 5 and distributing a set of Sources A-E to each group. Each student selects a different photograph from the set (it is okay if not all the images are used). The teacher then directs students to the “Round 1” prompt on their graphic organizer. Each student observes their photograph, recording their question directly on the source. Facilitated by the teacher, students rotate images around the group, and then answer the prompt for “Round 2”. Students repeat this process for the final prompt.
The teacher then provides students with a brief context for the Occupation of Alcatraz, noting the photographs documented this event. Students then brainstorm as a class how the event might be remembered today. Next, students read Source F and Source G, which showcase how some remember the Occupation of Alcatraz. As a class, students consider how the occupation is remembered. Finally, student assess the visibility (or invisibility) of indigenous groups in their own community, state, or curriculum.
Formative Tasks
PRODUCE: Demonstrate curiosity by crafting questions about photographs of the Occupation of Alcatraz.
COLLABORATE: Consider how the Occupation of Alcatraz is remembered today.
DELIBERATE: Assess the visibility of indigenous groups.
Sources
Sources A-E: Photographs of the 1969-1971 Occupation of Alcatraz
Sources F and G: Remembering the 1969-1971 Occupation of Alcatraz
Summative Performance Task
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Taking Informed Action
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