Richard Oakes, born on this day in 1942, was a Mohawk indigenous activist and leader within the Red Power movement, playing a prominent role in the 19-month occupation of Alcatraz Island from 1969 - 1971.
Oakes promoted Native American studies in university curricula and is credited for helping to change U.S. federal government "Termination" policies (policies regarding assimilation of indigenous people into the culture of the colonizer) of Native American peoples and culture.
In 1969, Oakes led a 19-month occupation of Alcatraz Island with LaNada Means, approximately 50 California State University students, and 37 others. On January 5th, 1970, Oakes' 12-year-old daughter, Yvonne, fell to her death from concrete steps. After her funeral, Oakes left the island.
In 1972, Oakes was shot and killed in Sonoma, California, by Michael Morgan, a YMCA camp manager. Allegedly, Oakes violently confronted Morgan, and Morgan responded by drawing a handgun and fatally shooting Oakes.
Oakes was unarmed when he was shot. Morgan claimed he acted in self-defense, and was acquitted on charges of voluntary manslaughter.
"We do not fear your threat to charge us with crimes on our land. We and all other oppressed peoples would welcome spectacle of proof before the world of your title by genocide. Nevertheless, we seek peace."
Richard Oakes
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Theory:
I have a theory on how children raised on Starfleet ships can stay relatively psychologically stable despite being thrown into danger every other week. I think all family quarters are equipped with child-sized stasis capsules. When a red alert happens, the kids hop into their comfy "sleepy pod". If the red alert is overcome successfully, the kids are just told that the brave captain and crew saved the day like they always do. The kids walk away from the experience feeling safe and protected by all the nice grown-ups around them who always win.
And if the kids don't wake up, well, let's just say they won't be needing therapy.
who needs a pod, just pop those little fuckers in the transporter and leave 'em in the pattern buffer