PRELIMINARY STATEMENT OF THE TRIBUNAL
Autonomous Chapters of AIM v Clyde and Vernon Bellecourt
March 27, 1994
We, the International Panel of Indigenous Peoples, have been
requested by the Confederation of Autonomous Chapters of the American
Indian Movement to review evidence, both written and oral, against two
specific individuals, Clyde Bellecourt and Vernon Bellecourt.
Evidence has been presented to this panel that both defendants
were notified of the proceedings. Evidence submitted by Clyde
Bellecourt, who made a presentation on the behalf of himself and his
brother, Vernon, stated that "Spiritual leaders of the Midewin and Sun
Dance ways advised us (Clyde and Vernon) not to respond to" the charges
brought against them, and "not to travel to the Tribunal to defend
[them]selves."
Despite this advice from his spiritual leaders, Clyde did come
to the Tribunal and entered carrying a Pipe. In the presence of the
Pipe, he asked to participate in the Tribunal proceedings. We therefore
conclude that he formally accepted the jurisdiction of this Tribunal.
Moreover, in his "Message to the California Gathering," Clyde requested
that the Tribunal convene hearings in Minneapolis, Minnesota. We accept
his invitation.
Meanwhile, we will offer preliminary observations on the charges
considered during the past two days:
*We, the Judging Panel of the Tribunal, find the defendants,
Clyde and Vernon Bellecourt Guilty of Charge 1: Subversion of
the American Indian Movement (AIM) and its principles and
activities. We believe that the oral testimony and docu-
mentation provided us, and the behavior of Clyde Bellecourt
towards this Panel on March 26, 1994, does without doubt de-
monstrate a pattern of malicious conduct intended to subvert
the autonomy and integrity of AIM.
*We, the Panel, find the defendent Clyde Bellecourt guilty of
Charge 6; Use, Sale and/or Distribution of Drugs and Alcohol
to American Indian People. Testimony with enough effect has
been presented to this Panel that we have no doubt that Clyde
Bellecourt has used, sold and continues to distribute drugs and
alcohol to our people. We are without a doubt that he has
engaged in distribution of drugs to persons regardless of their
youth and in gross misuse of their trust. We consider it self-
evident that such conduct is contrary to the held principles of
AIM. How can we expect our children to grow up healthy and
whole if we ourselves engage in this genocidal model?
These charges are now closed to further discussion by this Tribunal.
*In regard to Charge 4 (Espionage Against Indigenous Nations),
we believe that the videotaped and direct testimony and
documentation provided to the Panel do reveal an insidious
pattern of activity on the part of Clyde and Vernon Bellecourt.
We feel that this is of such significant consequence, not only
to Indigenous Nations within the United States but to all other
Indigenous Nations as well, that we wish to request assistance
from an internationally recognized body in acquiring further
independent corroborating evidence in the matter. While we do
not discount the fact that the material already presented is
compelling, we feel the proper venue for further evidentiary
submissions will be the hearings conducted in Minneapolis.
From the documentation provided by Clyde Bellecourt, it is
apparent that the goals of the Minneapolis based "National American
Indian Movement" (N-AIM) are diametrically opposed to the original
intent, principles and objectives of Indigenous Spirituality and
Sovereignty which have guided the Movement itself. The methods and
objectives of the N-AIM group are by their own statements to integrate
themselves into the framework of the U.S. State in contravention of the
international legal principles of dealing with Sovereignty. It appears
that other AIM chapters - notably the plaintiff Confederation in this
case - do continue tohold the Movement's guiding vision of achieving
Indigenous National Liberation.
The magnitude, nature and consistency of the divisiveness which
this difference in outlook has engendered is such that it must be heard
and addressed in full.
Taking all of the aforementioned factors into account, the
Tribunal cannot at this time recommend a form of punishment. We feel
that the conclusion of these proceedings in Minneapolis, scheduled for
September 1994, will be the proper time to impose sentence. We firmly
believe that we need to review the remainder of the charges and
supporting evidence in full before determining the extent of appropriate
penalties and other remedies.
Signed,
Joe Locust
Regina Brave
Dian million
Sharen Venne
Panel Member Donald A. Grinde, Jr., fully concurs in these findings.
However, it was necessary for him to leave prior to this Preliminary
Statement being typed and was therefore unable to affix his signature.