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Trudell participated in the occupation of Alcatraz Island by Indians of All Tribes, becoming a spokesman for Indians of All Tribes. After the occupation ended in 1971, Trudell worked with the American Indian Movement, becoming national chairman of AIM from 1973 until 1979. In February of 1979, Trudell's mother-in-law, wife and three children were killed in a fire of unknown origin. It was through this horrific tragedy that Trudell began to find his voice as an artist and poet. Trudell now lives in Southern California and performs around the country to both Native and non-Native audiences. He believes that his purpose and that of the movement was, and is, to "Light the fire of Native spirit...of Native consciousness."
FRANK J KING III: So what do you think of the American Indian Film Festival? You've lived in this area for quite a while now.
JOHN TRUDELL: Well, you've got to define "this area." I've lived in California for a long time, but I live in L.A. Actually I like it. I like the fact that they're here and they have been for a long time so it's almost like a powwow. It's a gathering point for Native people that are in film or various aspects of the arts. People get together. Then you get into the fact that they showcase different Native people, acknowledge different Naive people by showcasing their work. I think it's good all the way around.
KING: I know you're a poet and an artist. Did you ever do any documentaries, or films, or anything like that yourself?
TRUDELL: No I haven't produced anything, but I'm very interested in working on a documentary. I may get involved in doing some documentary work here in the next year or so.
KING: I read about how you got started in the world of activism. What motivated you to do...