Alcatraz Sunrise Ceremony- Haley

This Indigenous People’s Day I spent the morning at Alcatraz Island watching the sunrise ceremony. This was my first time attending the sunrise ceremony and it was a really cool experience. Throughout the ferry ride there was a constant low drumming and song being sung, I really liked this as it kind of centered me and my thoughts around what I was headed to Alcatraz for and the reasons that the sunrise ceremony, and Indigenous People’s Day in general, is now something that is so widely celebrated. I liked that there was an opening prayer on the boat, as it reminded me of my culture and ceremonies that we do back home, always starting with a prayer. At the ceremony grounds, I liked how everyone was circled together around the fire and dancers as it made me feel really connected to everyone else that was there. My favorite part of the entire ceremony was when at sunrise itself everyone stood up and faced and raised out hands in the air towards the sun. I’m really happy I attended this event and I plan on going again next year!