American Indian Leader, Vernon Bellecourt has passed away. An American Indian, co-founder of the American Indian Movement of the late '60s and early '70s, Vernon was an articulate spokesperson against the United States government treatment of Native Americans for many years. He was a learned and well-studied advocate for oppressed people all over the world.
It is indeed with a sad heart and a profound sense of loss that I bring this news to the Kos community. Vernon will be sorely missed. He was internationally respected, and internationally celebrated. Vernon appeared frequently on television news programs, where he excoriated the United States Government for their historic mistreatment of Native people. He was more than capable of holding his own against popular media celebrities--citing the historical record and holding firm on the truth about what happened to his people.
If I had more time, I would assemble a better record of his accomplishments which include extensive work within his Native community, advocacy in front of governmental and international organizations, academic forums, speeches and conferences around the world.
He was a wise and beloved man who lived a big life, outside of the mainstream of American society, but wholly engaged in fighting for justice and freedom for the least of us.
May Vernon's soul irrigate the desert of American activism and sprout a thousand warriors for peace and justice.
Love you brother,