The Alcatraz Island occupation occurred from November 1969 to June 1971 when a group of Native American activists, calling themselves the Indians of All Tribes, took over the abandoned federal prison. They aimed to highlight issues faced by Native Americans, including broken treaties and poor living conditions. The occupation drew national attention and became a symbol of the struggle for Native American rights. During the 19-month occupation, the activists established a community and organized events to raise awareness about their cause. The U.S. government eventually ended the occupation, but it sparked a renewed focus on Native American issues and led to significant changes in policies regarding tribal rights and sovereignty.