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 the genocide we faced via the residential school system, and all we have endured from colonialism… — 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 render generations of courageous struggle and soul-searching a truly lost cause. A lot of Canadians don't seem to want to hear it. All I can say to them is: try to listen. Open your heart, your… — Perry Bellegarde Copy Share
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
