Alcatraz Sunrise Gathering organizers criticize Newsom's vetoes

Thousands of people gathered at Alcatraz Island for the annual Indigenous Peoples’ Day Sunrise Gathering to honor the 19-month occupation of the island by the ‘Indians of All Tribes’ between 1969 and 1971.

During the event, organizers and attendees criticized California Governor Gavin Newsom for vetoing key legislation. Specifically, organizers highlighted the veto of Assembly Bill 1881, which aimed to strengthen protections for tribal religious practices and sacred sites, and Assembly Bill 2218, which would have created a mediation process for disputes between tribes and state water agencies regarding ancestral territories and water shortages.

The International Indian Treaty Council described the vetoes as a ‘shocking action,’ noting the contradiction of the Governor signing legislation to establish September 30 as a Day of Remembrance for Indian Boarding Schools shortly before rejecting these tribal protection bills.