Clyde Howard Bellecourt was a civil rights organizer noted for co-founding the American Indian Movement (AIM) in Minneapolis, Minnesota in 1968 with Dennis Banks, Eddie Benton-Banai, and George Mitchell.
Born May 8, 1936, on the White Earth Ojibwe Nation, the Bellecourt family moved to Minneapolis Twin Cities in the 1950s. As a young adult, he was convicted and spent time in prison, where he became involved in starting a cultural program at prison for Native Americans. This led to the creation of American Indian Movement after his release.
Under Bellecourt's leadership, AIM raised awareness of tribal issues related to the federal government, monitored police harassment in Minneapolis, created welfare programs for urban Indians, and founded Indian 'survival schools' in the Twin Cities to teach children life skills and to help them learn their traditional cultures. He helped initiate the Trail of Broken Treaties, a long march to Washington, DC in 1972 to serve as a first step to renegotiating federal-tribal nations' treaties and relations. In addition, he founded non-profit groups to undertake economic development to benefit Native Americans.
In 1973, AIM led an occupation of the Town of Wounded Knee within the Pine Ridge Reservation. FBI agents and U.S. Marshals soon surrounded the town, and there was a 71-day armed standoff. Two people were killed in the events. Bellecourt became a negotiator in the incident.
Bellecourt was influential over the decades in speaking on Native American rights and directing Minneapolis branch of AIM. He passed away January 2022 at age 85.
July 28, 1988 - MPR’s Tom Meersman looks at the 20th anniversary of American Indian Movement (AIM). Report looks at the history, actions, and controversies of organization.
December 29, 1990 - MPR’s Paula Schroeder interviews Native American activist Clyde Bellecourt, who talks about Red Road Pow Wow, spirituality, and education of younger generation.
February 8, 1991 - MPR’s Catherine Winter reports on opening of Elaine M. Stately Peacemaker Center in Minneapolis. The center is designed as a safe place for Native American and other neighborhood youth to gather. Segment includes speech by Clyde Bellecourt, a founder of center.
November 20, 1991 - MPR’s Bill Wareham reports on debate over use of sports teams using American Indian inspired nicknames, symbols, and mascots. Segment includes comments from differing viewpoints.
June 15, 1992 - MPR’s Stephen Smith reports on a mediation program focused specifically for Native Americans in Minnesota. The mediation panel consists of twelve 11 Elders trained to assist with courtroom alternative. Several local Indian organizations banded together to create the council.
December 15, 1993 - MPR’s Mary Losure reports trunk transport incident and creation of Civilian Police Review Authority (CRA). Segment includes numerous interviews.
February 27, 1998 - MPR’s Cara Hetland reports on 25th anniversary of Wounded Knee, a 72 day stand-off between members of the American Indian Movement (AIM) and the tribal and federal governments. Some regard the incident at Wounded Knee in western South Dakota as the beginning of an era of increased Indian activism and by others as the end to progress on the reservation.
October 18, 2000 - Clyde Bellecourt, co-founder of the American Indian Movement, discusses his views on voting in U.S. government elections.
April 26, 2001 - As part of Mainstreet Radio series "Broken Trust: Civil Rights in Indian Country,” MPR’s Bob Rhea reports on the fight for religious freedom of Native Americans, including those incarcerated.
May 19, 2015 - On this episode of Minnesota Sounds and Voices, MPR’s Dan Olson profiles Native American activist and White Earth band member Clyde Bellecourt.