John Boncore facts for kids
Quick facts for kids
John Boncore
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| Dacajeweiah ("Splitting the Sky") | |
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| Born | January 7, 1952 |
| Died | March 12, 2013 (aged 61) Chase, British Columbia, Canada
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| Nationality | American |
| Other names | John Pasquale Boncore, John Boncore Hill, John B. Hill, John Hill |
| Occupation | Activist and actor |
| Known for | Participation in the Attica Prison revolt, Gustafsen Lake Standoff, and attempted arrest of George W. Bush |
John Boncore (January 7, 1952 – March 12, 2013) was a well-known activist and actor. He was also known by his Mohawk name, Dacajeweiah, which means "Splitting the Sky". He first gained public attention for his role in the 1971 Attica Prison revolt in New York.
Contents
Early Life and Background
John Boncore was born in Buffalo, New York. His mother was from the Mohawk and Cree nations. His father was Italian-American.
When John was young, his family faced hard times. His father and several co-workers died in an accident in 1957. After this, his family struggled financially. John and his five brothers and sisters were later placed in foster care. He faced tough situations in foster care due to his background.
John became homeless after leaving foster care. Out of hunger, he committed a small crime and was sent to a youth reform center. In August 1971, at age 19, he was moved to Attica prison. This was to serve the last part of his sentence.
Family and Creative Work
During the legal events after the Attica revolt, John married Alicia. They had a son, John Jr., in 1975.
In 1993, John met Sandra Bruderer, a Cree woman. They later married. They wrote a book together in 2001. It was called The Autobiography of Splitting the Sky: From Attica to Gustafsen Lake.
John Boncore also worked as an actor. He appeared in TV shows like Men In Trees, Alice, I Think, and Da Vinci's City Hall. He also acted in movies such as The Last Rites of Ransom Pride (2010) and Deepwater (2005).
Activism and Public Role
John Boncore was a key figure in the Attica Prison revolt. This was a major event that lasted five days. Many people died during the revolt, including some hostages. John faced serious charges related to the event. In 1975, he was found responsible for a death and sentenced to 20 years. However, in 1976, New York Governor Hugh Carey granted him clemency. This meant his sentence was ended early.
Later, John joined the American Indian Movement. He became known again during the Gustafsen Lake Standoff. This was a 31-day event in British Columbia. First Nations people and their supporters were gathered at Gustafsen Lake. They were holding a traditional Sun Dance on private land. John Boncore was the Sun Dance leader. When asked to leave, he supported standing up for their land claims.
In 2009, John Boncore was arrested in Calgary, Alberta. He was trying to make a citizen's arrest of former US president George W. Bush. John believed that Bush was a war criminal. He wanted to bring attention to this issue. He planned to argue his case in court. However, he passed away before he could present his defense.
Later Years and Passing
John Boncore was found deceased on March 13, 2013. This was near his home on the Adams Lake Indian Reserve in British Columbia. It is believed he died on March 12, 2013. Reports suggest he may have fallen on steps and hit his head.
John Boncore is survived by his wife, Sandra Bruderer. He also had six children and five grandchildren.
Films and Television Roles
- 2005: Deepwater as Joe Littlefeet
- 2005: Mindless Love as Dr. John
- 2005: Da Vinci's City Hall (TV Series) as Rocky
- 2006: Alice, I Think (TV Series)
- 2006: Men in Trees (TV Series)
- 2010: The Last Rites of Ransom Pride as John 'Splitting The Sky' Boncore
