Clyde Bellecourt to Speak in Spokane on Saturday

Native News Network Staff in Native Currents. Discussion »

Clyde Bellecourt-Ojibwa

SPOKANE, WASHINGTON - Clyde Bellecourt will make a mid-afternoon speech as part of "Our Journey: Pacific Northwest USA Speaker Tour 2012." American Indian Movement co-founder and White Earth Ojibwa, Bellecourt will speak on Saturday, February 4 at 2:00 pm pst highlighting a scheduled eight days in the Pacific Northwest to talk to tribal officials and in schools.

He is due to speak about the history of the American Indian Movement and the importance of American Indians to be involved in their communities today.

“People are living in fear these days, just like the 1970s. Fear is involved in every aspect. Tribal Councils these days don't have the courage of our ancestors,”

stated Yvonne Swan, a longtime activist in the Spokane area.

"We have a way to counter. Clyde Bellecourt tells the truth and he is a very courageous man. I hope he will help people get past the fear American Indian people are going through these days,"

continued Swan.

Bellecourt co-founded the American Indian Movement with Dennis Banks and George Mitchell in 1968 to counter police brutality in Minneapolis, Minnesota.

Bellecourt's presentation to the public will begin at 2 pm. Earlier that morning he will also be involved in a 10 am Round Table discussion with tribal leaders and elders.

After Bellecourt's speech, the group will form a Circle of Solidarity with US political prisoner Leonard "Wind Chases the Sun" Peltier.

WHAT:    Speech by Clyde Bellecourt

WHEN:    Saturday, February 4

TIME:    2:00 pm pst

WHERE:    All Saints Lutheran Church
314 S. Spruce, Southwest edge of Coeur d'Alene Park, Browne's Addition
Spokane, Washington

posted February 1, 2012 9:50 am est