On October 13, 2007, the American Indian Movement (AIM) and the wider Native American community mourned the passing of Vernon Bellecourt, a prominent and influential figure who dedicated his life to advocating for Indigenous rights. After suffering from diabetes and heart complications, exacerbated by a bout of pneumonia, Vernon Bellecourt died at the age of 75 in Minneapolis, Minnesota, surrounded by loved ones. His death marked the end of an era for AIM, an organization he helped shape and define through decades of activism and leadership.
A Life Rooted in White Earth:
Born into the White Earth band of Ojibwe (Anishinaabe) in Minnesota, Vernon Bellecourt‘s early life was steeped in the realities of reservation life. He was one of twelve children born to Charles and Angeline Bellecourt, growing up in a home lacking basic amenities like electricity and running water. His father, a World War I veteran, carried the physical and emotional scars of war, leaving him unable to maintain steady employment. The White Earth Reservation, historically the largest and poorest of the northern Minnesota Ojibwe bands, faced a staggering 95 percent unemployment rate during Bellecourt’s formative years, underscoring the systemic challenges faced by the community.
Adding to the hardship, Bellecourt’s mother, Angeline, was a survivor of the government’s notorious boarding school system, designed to assimilate Native American children into mainstream American culture. These institutions often employed harsh methods to suppress Indigenous languages and traditions. Clyde Bellecourt, Vernon’s younger brother and fellow AIM leader, recounted the painful experiences of their mother, who was punished for speaking her native Ojibwe language.
Despite these adversities, Bellecourt’s heritage remained a source of strength and identity. His Ojibwe name, WaBun-Inini, meaning "Man of Dawn," reflected the hope and resilience he embodied throughout his life.
The Rise of AIM and Bellecourt’s Involvement:
The American Indian Movement emerged in 1968 as a response to the widespread discrimination, poverty, and social injustice faced by Native Americans. Founded in Minneapolis, Minnesota, by a group of Native American activists, including Vernon Bellecourt’s brother, Clyde, AIM sought to address these issues through direct action, advocacy, and cultural revitalization.
Vernon Bellecourt quickly became a central figure in the movement. His powerful oratory skills, unwavering commitment, and strategic thinking made him an effective spokesman and organizer. He participated in numerous AIM actions, from local protests to national campaigns, becoming a familiar face in the fight for Indigenous rights.
Key Moments in a Life of Activism:
Bellecourt’s involvement with AIM spanned decades, marked by several pivotal events that shaped the movement and his own legacy:
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Occupation of the Bureau of Indian Affairs (BIA) (1972): As part of the "Trail of Broken Treaties" caravan, Bellecourt played a key role in the occupation of the BIA headquarters in Washington, D.C. The protest aimed to draw attention to the federal government’s failure to uphold treaties with Native American tribes and to demand greater tribal self-determination. Bellecourt served as a negotiator during the occupation, helping to articulate AIM’s demands and to ensure the safety of the participants.
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Wounded Knee Occupation (1973): The 71-day occupation of Wounded Knee, South Dakota, site of the 1890 Wounded Knee Massacre, became a defining moment in AIM’s history. Bellecourt was involved as a spokesman and fundraiser, working to rally support for the occupiers and to disseminate information about the standoff. While he was not physically present for the entire duration, his efforts were crucial in maintaining public awareness and garnering sympathy for AIM’s cause. His involvement at Wounded Knee led to a Federal indictment.
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International Indian Treaty Council (IITC): Recognizing the importance of international solidarity, Bellecourt was a special representative of the International Indian Treaty Council. In 1974, he helped organize the first Treaty Conference, bringing together Indigenous representatives from around the world to share experiences and to strategize on issues of common concern.
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Protest Against the Guatemalan Government: Bellecourt’s activism extended beyond the borders of the United States. He was jailed for throwing his blood on the Guatemalan Embassy in protest against the killing of 100,000 Indigenous people in that country, highlighting his commitment to human rights and his willingness to take bold action in defense of vulnerable populations.
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Opposition to Racist Sports Mascots: In recent years, Bellecourt focused his efforts on combating the use of American Indian nicknames and imagery by sports teams. As president of the National Coalition on Racism in Sports and Media, he led protests against teams like the Cleveland Indians (now Guardians) and the Washington Redskins (now Commanders), arguing that these mascots perpetuate harmful stereotypes and contribute to the erasure of Native American culture. He was arrested in Cleveland during the 1997 World Series and again in 1998 during protests against the Cleveland Indians’ mascot, Chief Wahoo. Charges were dropped the first time and he was never charged in the second case.
Elected Office and Spiritual Education:
In 1978, Bellecourt was elected to a four-year term in his White Earth tribal government, serving as secretary-treasurer. This marked a unique achievement, as he was the only nationally known AIM member to hold elected office on a reservation. During his tenure, he developed a model program for the spiritual education of Indian prisoners, reflecting his commitment to rehabilitation and to preserving Native American cultural and spiritual traditions within the criminal justice system. He later made two unsuccessful bids for tribal chairman.
A Legacy of Resistance and Inspiration:
Vernon Bellecourt‘s life was one of unwavering dedication to the cause of Native American rights. He was a powerful orator, a skilled organizer, and a fearless activist who challenged injustice wherever he found it. His involvement in AIM’s most significant actions, his work on the international stage, and his commitment to combating racism in sports and media, all contributed to his lasting legacy.
Bellecourt’s passing was deeply felt by the Native American community and by all those who admired his courage and his unwavering commitment to justice. His life serves as an inspiration to future generations of activists who continue to fight for Indigenous rights and for a more just and equitable world. Even shortly before his death, Vernon joked that the CIA had finally gotten him, his brother said.
A Final Farewell:
Following his death, services were held to honor Vernon Bellecourt‘s life and legacy. A celebration of his life took place at the All Nations Indian Church in Minneapolis, followed by a wake and burial on the White Earth Reservation.
His brother, Clyde Bellecourt, mentioned plans to list figures like Daniel Ortega, Yasser Arafat and Moammar Gadhafi as honorary pallbearers, highlighting Vernon’s extensive international relationships built through his activism. He also revealed Vernon’s recent trip to Venezuela to discuss Hugo Chavez’s program for providing heating assistance to American Indian tribes, showcasing his continued dedication to serving his community until his final days.
The family requested donations to help cover medical and burial costs, a testament to the ongoing financial struggles faced by many Native American families. The outpouring of support from across the country and around the world reflected the profound impact that Vernon Bellecourt had on so many lives.