Richard Oakes (activist)
Richard Oakes | |
|---|---|
| Born | May 22, 1942 Akwesasne, New York, U.S. |
| Died | September 20, 1972 (aged 30) Annapolis, California, U.S. |
| Cause of death | Gunshot wound |
| Nationality | Akwesasronon |
| Occupation | Activist |
| Known for | Occupation of Alcatraz |
| Spouse | Annie Marrufo (1960-1972) |
| Children | Richard Standing Tall Oakes JR., Yvonne Little Fawn Oakes, Joseph Oakes, Leonard Oakes, Rocky Oakes, Yvonne Oakes, Tanya Oakes |
Richard Oakes (May 22, 1942 – September 20, 1972) was a Mohawk American Indian activist and academic. He spurred American Indian studies in university curricula and is credited for helping to change US federal government termination policies of American Indian peoples and culture. Oakes led a nineteen-month occupation of Alcatraz Island with LaNada Means, approximately 50 California State University students, and 37 others. The Occupation of Alcatraz is credited for opening a rediscovered unity among all American Indian tribes.