Gordon Belcourt facts for kids

Gordon Belcourt, also known as Meekskimeeksskumapi, was an important leader for Native American people. He was a member of the Blackfeet Tribe. From 1998 until he passed away in 2013, he was the main director of the Montana-Wyoming Tribal Leaders Council. He worked hard to help his community and other Native American tribes.

Early Life and Education

Gordon Belcourt was born in 1945. He grew up on the Blackfeet Indian Reservation in Montana. His Native American name was Meekskimeeksskumapi. This name means "Mixed Iron Boy" in the Blackfoot language. It honored his uncle, who fought in World War II before Gordon was born.

School Days

Gordon was a very smart student. He was the best student in his graduating class at Browning High School. This is called being the valedictorian. At first, he didn't want to go to college. But his principal encouraged him to go.

College and Beyond

Gordon received a full scholarship to Santa Clara University in California. He joined the ROTC program there. This program trains college students to become officers in the military. He became a second lieutenant in the United States Army.

He earned his first degree from Santa Clara University. Then, he went to the University of Montana to study law. There, he met his wife, Cheryl. After law school, he moved back to California. He earned another degree in public health from the University of California, Berkeley. Later, he returned to Montana. He lived on the Blackfeet Indian Reservation and in Missoula before settling in Billings, Montana. He also served as the President of the Blackfeet Community College.

A Leader for Native Americans

Gordon Belcourt became the Executive Director of the Montana-Wyoming Tribal Leaders Council in 1998. He held this important role until he passed away in 2013. Many people say he made the Council much stronger.

Growing the Council

When Gordon started, the Council was struggling. It was almost out of money and had only one employee. Gordon worked hard to expand the Council. He helped them get more funding and write successful grants.

Influencing Leaders

Gordon was a trusted advisor. Both of Montana's U.S. Senators at the time, Max Baucus and Jon Tester, asked for his advice. They wanted to know his thoughts on issues important to Native Americans. For example, he helped with laws like the Indian Healthcare Improvement Act. He also helped create the Tribal Law and Order Act of 2010. This law helps improve safety and justice in tribal communities.

Health Care Efforts

Gordon also played a key role in setting up a regional branch of the Tribal Institutional Review Board. This group helps make sure research involving Native American communities is done fairly and ethically.

Awards and Recognition

In 2003, the University of California, Berkeley School of Public Health honored Gordon. They called him a "Public Health Hero." This was for his important work on health care issues for Native Americans. In 2007, the University of Montana gave him an honorary doctorate degree. This is a special award that recognizes a person's achievements.

Later Life and Legacy

Gordon Belcourt passed away on July 15, 2013, in Billings, Montana. He was 68 years old and had been ill for some time. He was survived by his wife, Cheryl, and seven of their eight children. His daughter, Elena Katie, had passed away earlier. This sad event made him even more determined to fight against violence and crime.

Many people remembered Gordon as a great leader. Senator Max Baucus called him a "wise and trusted leader." Senator Jon Tester said Gordon "could always be counted on to use common sense to get to the heart of the issue and find a solution." His death left "big shoes to fill" in the Native American community.