LaNada Means on Alcatraz, 1970

Against the backdrop of a fog-shrouded San Francisco skyline, native

American leader LaNada Means leans against a railing on the abandoned

federal prison island of Alcatraz in February, 1970. Means, a member

of the Shoshone Bannock tribe, was one of about 100 native Americans,

mostly young people, who occupied the old prison in November, 1969, in

an effort to convince the U.S. government to turn the facility into an

Indian cultural and educational center. The protest continued until

June, 1971, when federal authorities removed the remaining

demonstrators from the island.

Bill, thanks for the history behind the image. Do you know what has become of LaNada since that time?

I took a very similar photo of LaNada when I visited Alcatraz as a student photojournalist in 1970. She was a very intelligent and dedicated spokesperson for the Alcatraz movement. Now LaNada Means Boyer, she resides in Fort Hall, Idaho, near Pocatello.

Very good photograph of such a strong and beautiful woman.

Regards,

 

Hello Bill! I am reaching out from Teen Vogue Magazine and would love to get your permission to run this image for our online site. Please let me know how to contact you as we would like to post this image today!

 

Best,

Andrea