MAY 11, 1943

MÉTIS LEADER ACTIVIST ORGANIZER TONY BELCOURT BORN

Belcourt was born in the Métis community of Lac Ste. Anne, Alberta (AB). Tony was Vice-president, Métis Association of AB (1969) and President of both the Native Council of Canada (1971-74) & Métis Nation of Ontario (re-elected 5 times). As Ambassador for International Issues with the Métis National Council, Tony helped establish both the UN Declaration on the Rights of Indigenous Peoples and the Organization of American States’ Declaration on the Rights of Indigenous Peoples. Belcourt additionally was Communications Director at the Department of Indian and Northern Affairs (1977-81). His lobbying efforts led to inclusion of S.35 on Aboriginal Rights in the Constitution Act, 1982. Since then, Belcourt has served as: Vice-president, Seneca Communications & Productions; editorial board past chair, North/Nord Magazine; and a founder, Wolfwalker Communications. Awards include: National Aboriginal Achievement Award (2006) and Officer, Order of Canada (2013).

Sources: “Tony Belcourt. (b. 1943),” Metis Museum, Louis Riel Institute.  Retrieved 1/15/2023, Microsoft Word - Tony Belcourt.doc (metismuseum.ca)

Photo:  Sgt Ronald Duchesne, Rideau Hall, 2014. Tony Belcourt (left) being invested into the Order of Canada as an Officer by His Excellency, the Right Honourable David Johnston, Governor General of Canada (right). Use consistent with requirements of the Canadian Federal Government.