The seven sacred teachings: love, respect, courage, honesty, wisdom, humility, truth. These are the seven virtues that lead to a full and healthy life. My mom espoused those teachings. That's how she lived her life. That's how she raised us. — Perry Bellegarde Copy Share Image
My dad died when I was 17. He had heart and other problems. He was a good father, lots of love. But he was affected by it. When he died, mom picked up the reins and raised six boys all… — Perry Bellegarde Copy Share Image
Now is the time to take stock of a painful part of our history. Only then can we move past it. Anything less would… — Perry Bellegarde Copy Share Image
Indigenous people made huge contributions to this country. The biggest is in sharing the land and resources. People need to see that, understand that.… — Perry Bellegarde Copy Share Image
We focus on bringing back Indigenous languages, ceremonies, cultures, traditions - all that was lost over the past 150 years. This is how we'll… — Perry Bellegarde Copy Share Image
In Cree, an oskâpêwis is a servant or a helper, someone who hauls in rocks for sweats, or pipes or medicines. I equate that… — Perry Bellegarde Copy Share Image
Being the only Indian in class, I had to be able to stand up and defend myself and debate the others when they tried… — Perry Bellegarde Copy Share Image
Indigenous languages are Canada's national treasures. They are our identity. We simply have to put greater effort into rejuvenating and revitalizing them. It is… — Perry Bellegarde Copy Share Image
If you want to change a mind, there's no better way than a dialogue over coffee. — Perry Bellegarde Copy Share Image
To be treaty person means coexist in peace and with mutual respect. That's at the core of these treaties. They intended for us to… — Perry Bellegarde Copy Share Image
Living on reserve we hunted; we fished; we trapped. We lived off the land. If we didn't hunt, we didn't eat. In summer, we… — Perry Bellegarde Copy Share Image
Some will say: "Why should we celebrate the birth of colonialism, of oppression, of cultural genocide through Canada 150?" It's 2017. In spite of… — Perry Bellegarde Copy Share Image
I experienced racism in different settings: I was followed in stores, in cars. The way you experience racism depends on how you deal with… — Perry Bellegarde Copy Share Image
Growing up, the major institutions were school and church. We were taught our culture was no good. We didn't have sundances. The last ones… — Perry Bellegarde Copy Share Image
