FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

United Indians of All Tribes Foundation Announces 40th Anniversary Celebration Activities

Seattle, WA – March 1, 2010 – On the morning of March 8, 1970, over one hundred Native Americans and their allies scaled the fences of Ft. Lawton Army Base in Seattle as part of a peaceful takeover of land scheduled to be sold or given to the city as surplus.

United Indians of All Tribes Foundation has announced a series of community celebrations commemorating the 40th anniversary of this historic event that led to its founding and the creation of the Daybreak Star Indian Cultural Center.

United Indians Executive Director Marty Bluewater explains, “This month, we have scheduled a symbolic march, pow wow and community dinner to which the entire community is invited.”

During the original takeover, protestors scaled razor wire fences, endured beatings and incarceration. Attracting support from celebrities including Jane Fonda, Dick Gregory, Marlon Brando and Wilt Chamberlain, and led by the charismatic Bernie Whitebear, the activists persevered for months. They finally succeeded in getting the city to lease part of Discovery Park for a Native cultural center.

Bluewater continues, “Onbehalf ofthose who continue to benefit from the sacrifices of the brave few who participated in the takeover, we say thank you. Our mission is to ensure your legacy lives on through our work in the community.”

All events are open to the public, free of charge and will take place at Daybreak Star Indian Cultural Center.

 

About United Indians of All Tribes Foundation

United Indians of All Tribes Foundation is a 501c3 non-profit organization founded in Seattle, Washington in 1970. The mission of United Indians is to foster and sustain a strong sense of identity, tradition, and well-being among the Indian people in the Puget Sound area by promoting their cultural, economic, and social welfare.  For more information about United Indians or to make a donation, visit www.unitedindians.org