Why did Native Americans occupy the Alcatraz Island? Please provide specific examples. What was the legal justification Native Americans used to take over the island? Be specific (name, date, etc.) What were the challenges they faced on the island? What legacy continues because of the occupation of Alcatraz Island? answer for me simple sentence and simple form base on this rubic

Below is a rubric-aligned answer written in simple sentences, simple form, with clear evidence and MLA in-text citations.
Each prompt has at least 3 complete sentences to earn full points (15/15).

---

Podcast Response: Occupation of Alcatraz

Prompt Response 1

Why did Native Americans occupy Alcatraz Island? Provide specific examples.

Native Americans occupied Alcatraz Island to reclaim land that once belonged to Native people. They believed the island could be used to strengthen Native communities through education, culture, and sovereignty. Members of the Indians of All Tribes wanted to create cultural centers and spaces for learning because these opportunities were often denied to Native people (“Looking Back”).

---

Prompt Response 2

What was the legal justification Native Americans used to take over the island? Be specific.

The legal justification was the Treaty of Fort Laramie. The treaty stated that land abandoned by the federal government should return to Native people. Alcatraz had been unused since the federal prison closed in 1963, so protesters argued the island legally qualified for return to Native ownership (“Looking Back”).

---

Prompt Response 3

What challenges did they face on the island?

The protesters faced many challenges during the occupation. Some students left the island to return to school, which reduced the number of occupants. There were also problems with outsiders taking food, using drugs and alcohol, and causing conflicts. Later, the government cut off power, a fire destroyed buildings, and federal marshals removed the remaining protesters in June 1971 (“Looking Back”).

---

Prompt Response 4

What legacy continues because of the occupation of Alcatraz Island?

The occupation of Alcatraz raised national awareness about Native American rights. It inspired universities to study Native American history and culture more seriously. The occupation also created activist networks and continues to be remembered through events like the Alcatraz Sunrise Ceremony held on Thanksgiving Day (“Looking Back”).

---

Works Cited

“Looking Back: The Occupation of Alcatraz.” Course Materials, 1969–1971.