Why does the sign on Alcatraz say Indians welcome?

Answer 1

From November 20, 1969 - June 11, 1971, over 900 Indians from numerous tribes illegally occupied the island during the famous "Indian Occupation of Alcatraz." During this time, Indian protesters demanded that unused government land, such as Alcatraz at the time, be given to the Native Americans due to the Treaty of Fort Laramie. The Native Americans did a great toll on the island. The main sign that you see at the dock is just one of many instances of their graffiti. Because Indians were commonly coming to and leaving the island, the messages "Indians Welcome" "United Indian Property" and "Indian Land" were painted on the sign to greet arriving Indians and government representatives.