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COAIM BLOG CO AIM LATEST NEWS MEDIA
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Preliminary Statement of the Tribunal of the Autonomous Chapters of the American Indian Movement March 27, 1994We, the International panel of Indigenous peoples have been requested by the Independent 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 testified on behalf of his brother Vernon stated that "Spiritual leaders of the Midewin and Sundance ways advised Clyde and Vernon not to respond to the attacks against them", and "not to travel to the "tribunal"to defend themselves." In spite of the advice from their spiritual leaders they did travel to the Tribunal and entered carrying a pipe. In the presence of the pipe they asked to participate, therefore, we conclude that they accepted the jurisdiction of this Tribunal. In their message "Message To The California Gathering" they requested that the Tribunal convene hearings in Minneapolis, The Tribunal accepts their invitation. In this regard, we will make some preliminary observations on the charges presented in the last two days. We find the defendants Clyde Bellecourt and Vernon Bellecourt guilty of Charge 1: Subversion of the American Indian Movement (AIM), its principles and activities. We, the panel believe that oral testimony and documentation provided us, and the behavior of Clyde Bellecourt towards this pan8~1 on the date 26 March , 1994 does without doubt present a pattern of malicious activity to subvert the autonomy of the American Indian Movement. We, the judging panel of the tribunal, do find the defendant Clyde Bellecourt guilty of Charge 6: The 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 drug substances contrary to the held principles of the American Indian Movement. We also find that Clyde Bellecourt has distributed drugs to persons regardless of their youth in a direct and gross misuse of their trust. We unanimously believe that this behavior is abusive and ongoing, and irreprehensible. How can we expect our children to grow up continuing this genocidal model. These charges are now closed to further discussion to this tribunal, In relation to Charge 4, we believe that tape, testimony and documents provided do show an pattern, which we believe is of such significant consequence not only to the Nations within the United States, but to all Indigenous Nations as well. In this regard we are requesting an internationally recognized body who is capable of providing independent collaborating evidence to the allegations outlined in Charge 4 We do not discount the evidence and testimony provided to us. On the contrary, we believe that this testimony provides such a strong statement to the pattern of subversion of Indigenous Peoples that we request further evidence be made available' to us in Minneapolis. Taking the aforementioned into consideration the Tribuna cannot at this time recommend a form of punishment. We' believethat the conclusion of the Tribunal in Minneapolis in September l994 would be the appropriate time. We firmly believe that we need to hear the rest of the charges and their supporting documentation in full to be able to discern the extent. The future course of action should be addressed at Minneapolis as has been requested by the Bellecourts. There appears to be a consistent pattern of divisiveness emerging that must be heard and addressed in full. From the documentation provided by Clyde, the stated objectives of his organization are diametrically opposed to the objectives and original intent and principles of Spirituality and Sovereignty. The stated objectives of the Minneapolis group by their own statement are to integrate themselves within the state framework in contravention of International Law principles dealing with sovereignty. It appears that other chapters of the American Indian Movement do continue to hold these principles which are Spirituality and Sovereignty |
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