Tony Belcourt facts for kids

Tony Belcourt, born on May 11, 1943, is a very important Métis leader and activist in Canada. He was the first president of the Native Council of Canada from 1971 to 1974. He is most famous for starting the Métis Nation of Ontario in 1993. He also led the important Powley Case in 2003.

Who is Tony Belcourt?

Tony Belcourt was born in Lac Ste. Anne, Alberta. This is a Métis community. He has been a Métis leader for over 40 years. His work has helped Métis people and other Indigenous groups. He has made a positive impact across Canada and around the world.

Early Leadership and Advocacy

In 1969, Tony Belcourt became the vice-president of the Métis Association of Alberta. In 1970, he helped create the Native Council of Canada (NCC). He served as its first president from 1971 to 1974.

As president of the NCC, Belcourt worked hard for Métis rights. He convinced the government to include Métis groups in their funding programs. Before this, the funding was only for Status Indians. He also helped other Métis groups grow across Canada. He gave Métis and Non-Status Indian people a national voice.

Improving Housing for Indigenous Peoples

In 1973, Belcourt successfully pushed for the "Rural and Native Housing Program." This program aimed to build 50,000 new homes in five years. He also helped get $1 million for emergency home repairs. This improved housing for Métis and Non-Status peoples. During his time as NCC President, he was also the executive producer of an award-winning film called Moccasin Flats.

Media and Constitutional Work

In the mid-1970s, Belcourt started a research company. He also began working in film, video, and radio. From 1977 to 1981, he was Communications Director for the Department of Indian and Northern Affairs. After that, he started Wolfwalker Communications. This company produced many documentaries for Aboriginal audiences.

Protecting Aboriginal Rights in the Constitution

In 1981, Canada was changing its Constitution. Belcourt advised the Native Council of Canada. When a section on Aboriginal rights was removed, he acted quickly. He co-chaired a large group called the "Aboriginal Rights Coalition." This group included First Nations, Métis, and Inuit leaders. They worked together to get the Aboriginal rights clause put back in. Their efforts were successful. Section 35 of the Constitution Act, 1982, now protects Aboriginal rights.

Promoting Indigenous Business and Culture

In 1985, Belcourt chaired the Native Business Summit. This was a huge event that filled the Metro Toronto Convention Centre. It was the first event of its kind. It greatly increased the visibility of Native businesses in Canada and worldwide.

The Summit included five conferences, a trade show, and an art gallery. It also featured Aboriginal entertainment. About 2,000 people from nine countries attended. This event led to $81 million in trade for Native businesses in just one week.

Recognizing Louis Riel

In the late 1980s and early 1990s, Belcourt advised Yvon Dumont. Dumont was then president of the Métis National Council. They worked to get Métis rights recognized by the federal government. In 1992, Tony Belcourt helped draft a special resolution. This resolution from the House of Commons recognized Louis Riel's important contributions to Canada.

Founding the Métis Nation of Ontario

In 1993, Belcourt was key in forming the Métis Nation of Ontario (MNO). He became its first president in 1994. He was re-elected several times until he retired in 2008.

Under his leadership, the MNO grew a lot. They created a Métis Nation Registry and an Electoral Code for province-wide elections. They also set up councils for Métis women, youth, and veterans. The MNO also developed a Harvesting Policy.

Supporting Métis Education and Programs

The MNO created endowment funds for Métis scholarships. These funds, now over $4.4 million, are at 32 Ontario universities and colleges. This makes the MNO one of the largest private scholarship providers in Ontario. The MNO also helps Métis people with various programs. These include employment, training, health, housing, and economic development.

Landmark Legal Victories

Belcourt was deeply involved in fighting for Métis rights. A major success was the Powley Case. This case was about the Métis right to hunt. On September 19, 2003, the Supreme Court of Canada made a historic ruling. They said that Métis people have a constitutional right to harvest. This was a huge victory for the Métis Nation of Ontario. It created a lasting legacy for Métis rights.

International Work for Indigenous Rights

Belcourt also worked on national and international levels. He was on the Métis National Council's board of governors. For many years, he was the MNC's minister for international affairs. In this role, he represented the Métis Nation at the United Nations. He attended meetings and negotiations on the UN Declaration on the Rights of Indigenous Peoples. He also represented the Métis Nation at other UN conferences.

Connecting Indigenous Peoples Across the Americas

He represented the Métis Nation within the Organization of American States (OAS). There, he discussed the Americas' Declaration on the Rights of Indigenous Peoples. This work helped him connect with Indigenous peoples in Central and South America. He promoted partnerships between the Métis Nation and other Indigenous groups. He also helped develop an Indigenous policy for the Inter-American Development Bank.

In 2007, Belcourt was elected president of the Indigenous Commission for Communications Technologies in the Americas (ICCTA). This group promotes the use of technology to help Indigenous peoples. It aims to strengthen their culture, rights, and well-being.

Awards and Recognition

Tony Belcourt has received many honors. He was a member of the Governing Council for Trent University's Ph.D. program in Native Studies. He also co-chaired the Aboriginal Advisory Council at the Ontario College of Art and Design University (OCADU). In 2006, he received a National Aboriginal Achievement Award from Indspire for his public service. In 2010, he received an Honorary Doctorate in Laws from Lakehead University. In 2013, he was appointed an Officer of the Order of Canada.

Belcourt was also president of the Métis Nation of Ontario Development Corporation (MNODC). This is a company owned by the MNO. He also chaired the Métis Nation of Ontario Cultural Commission. This group works to preserve Métis history, values, and arts.

Family Life

Tony Belcourt is the father of three children. His daughter, Christi Belcourt, is a well-known Métis painter. His son, Shane Belcourt, is a filmmaker. His other daughter is Suzanne Belcourt, a graphic designer.