This year marks the 40th anniversary of the occupation of Alcatraz by the Indians of All Tribes, perhaps one of the most significant acts of activism conducted by Native Americans to date. Led by Mohawk activist Richard Oakes,  Indians from diverse tribes across the country occupied Alcatraz for 19 months from Nov. 20, 1969 to June 11, 1971.

The group used humor to make earnest demands aimed at improved rights for Native Americans. Their bold action was the  the first indication that Native American culture could rise again. “Alcatraz was a big enough symbol that for the first time this century Indians were taken seriously,” Lakota scholar Vine Deloria Jr. said.

The occupation led to real changes such as the creation of Indian-studies programs, tribal museums, increases in funding for college students, and legislation that supported self-determination, including the removal of federal Indian termination policy.

The annual sunrise gathering to celebrate indigenous people’s rights will depart for Alcatraz from Pier 33 on Nov. 26 as. early as 4:45 am.

Coit Tower will also be lit with film projections the evenings of Nov. 25 and 26 to greet those attending the sunrise ceremony. The film, titled “Indigenous Renewal: Alcatraz Occupation Remembrance + Ohlone Presence Celebrated!” prefigures the return of the Ohlone to San Francisco and asks viewers to consider what “indigenous” is. Community radio KPOO-FM 89.5 will broadcast a live program to accompany the projection from 6 p.m. to at least 11 p.m. on Wednesday, Nov. 25.

It’s a night to remember and celebrate the power of unified action for change.