This year marked the 49th annual Indigenous Peoples’ Sunrise Gathering on Alcatraz Island. The yearly tradition represents Native Americans’ resistance to the celebration of Thanksgiving, a holiday that represents the historical erasure of their cultural genocide. More than 4,500 people gathered from all nations to participate in a spiritual ceremony that supports a personal commitment to retaining their culture.
Over 4,500 people gather from all nations to celebrate the 49th annual Indigenous Peoples' Sunrise Gathering on Nov. 22, 2018. The annual tradition seeks to commemorate the 19-month occupation of Alcatraz. (Amarah Hernandez/Golden Gate Xpress)