Fortunate Eagle, Contrary Warrior

Fortunate Eagle:  Fallon artist and activist in new film

By Frank X. Mullen Jr.Adam Fortunate Eagle of Fallon, the architect of the American Indian takeover of Alcatraz Island in 1969, will mark his 80th year next month.

But that doesn't mean he's slowing down.

A film crew has been following the American Indian activist around to make a documentary called "Contrary Warrior," a movie about his life and times that the producers hope to sell to the Public Broadcasting System. His latest book, "Pipestone: A Boy's Life in an Indian Boarding School" has been accepted for publication by the University of Oklahoma Press.

And then there's the usual sculpting, carving, researching, writing and general political agitating with a big dose of satire.And:When Fortunate Eagle gets passionate about an injustice, he doesn't get mad, he gets funny.

"He's always very positive," and never strident, Ferry said. "His weapon is humor."

Years ago, Fortunate Eagle went ashore in Italy and Sweden in full Indian regalia, stuck a war lance in the ground and claimed Europe for American Indians. On a visit to the Vatican, he offered his outstretched hand to Pope Paul IV, but the pontiff declined to kiss Fortunate Eagle's turquoise ring.

During a Columbus Day ceremony in San Francisco he once "scalped" the actor playing the navigator by snatching off his wig and then doing a "war dance."Comment:  For more on the subject, see Native Documentaries and News.