This MPR audio collection highlights five important contemporary Native Americans voices of this region. Each has had a unique and profound impact on the land and its people.
· Winona LaDuke on the environment, politics, and health
· Jim Northrup on writing, war, and Indian rights
· Clyde Bellecourt on Indian rights, social justice, and AIM
· Louise Erdrich on bringing Native American characters to the forefront in literature
· Peggy Flanagan on social issues, poverty, and politics
September 3, 1973 - MPR’s Kevin McKiernan reports on the condition and fall out from shooting of AIM leader Clyde Bellecourt.
October 18, 1973 - Clyde Bellecourt talks about the federal government conspiracy to assassinate the leadership of the AIM. He says the government is blatantly trying to silence voices of oppressed, such as the Black Panther leaders, the May Day 1971 crowds, and the Indians indicted for Wounded Knee. Bellecourt atates that Oglala Nation and AIM accept the challenge of BIA.
February 20, 1974 - MPR’s Bob Potter reports on Clyde Bellecourt speech on Indian reform policy.
September 19, 1974 - Clyde Bellecourt states that AIM says U.S. government has criminally failed in its mission to protect Indian rights. The conduct of the Department of Justice has left little reason for Indians to trust that agency ever. The AIM will launch its greatest effort ever to expose a dual system of justice in South Dakota.
November 29, 1974 - Clyde Bellecourt was invited to participate in an international meeting of the World Council of Churches at Montreux, Switzerland, the first WCC to invite representation by Native Americans. He says the principal goal is to elicit support for American Indian treaty rights.
May 21, 1980 - MPR’s Dan Olson reports on opening of first American Indian Opportunities Industrialization Center scheduled to open in Minneapolis. Olson interviews Clyde Bellecourt, former American Indian movement activist and one of the founders of the Indian-controlled survival schools in the Twin Cities.
August 12, 1982 - MPR’s Dan Olson reports on fight to keep open Little Earth, a housing project of 212 units of relatively inexpensive housing located at Franklin and Cedar in Minneapolis. It is also one of the centers of the Minneapolis Indian community. Report includes commentary from Little Earth board member Clyde Bellecourt and Minneapolis Mayor Don Fraser.
January 8, 1986 - MPR’s Tom Meersman reports on members of White Earth tribe that held press conference protesting current legislative action regarding land disputes between tribes, private land owners, and the government.
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.