Perry Bellegarde

Perry Bellegarde was raised with his five brothers by his parents, Yvonne and Charles, on the Little Black Bear First Nation in Saskatchewan. Through his family, he learned the fundamental values of respect, hard work and the importance of education. After graduating from the University of Regina in 1984 with a Bachelor of Business Administration, Perry was elected Representative of the Touchwood-File Hills-Qu’Appelle Tribal Council, where he dedicated the first twelve years of his professional life.

Guided by the teachings of several Elders and Chiefs, Perry has remained a leader who is in touch with the people. Symbolic of his vision and leadership, Perry has been honoured with the bestowing of two headdresses. In 1995, he was presented with his first eagle feather headdress by Chief Brian McNabb. At the ceremony led by Elders Gordon Oakes, James Ironeagle, Willie Piegan, Bill Pratt and Dave Pratt, Perry was given the Cree name, Okemow Peeasew Awasis – King Thunderbird Child.

Perry went on to be elected as Grand Chief of the Federation of Saskatchewan Indian Nations (FSIN) and the Regional Vice Chief for the Assembly of First Nations in 1998. Symbolizing Perry’s accomplishment as the regional First Nations leader, he was given his second headdress during a swearing in ceremony with the FSIN Senators. He served in this capacity until 2003, and is now a Councillor for the Little Black Bear First Nation.

At the Touchwood-File Hills-Qu’Appelle Tribal Council, Perry brought together Elders, Chiefs and elected leaders-- both First Nations and non-First Nations— to restore the original Treaty Four grounds to reserve status in the town of Fort Qu’Appelle. This meant uniting the reserves that are the original signatories to Treaty Four. In a deeply moving ceremony, the grounds were returned to reserve status. He also facilitated the transfer of the Fort Qu’Appelle Indian Hospital to First Nations control, leading the way to a new multi-million dollar hospital, the All Nations Healing Hospital – a healing centre built for First Nations and non-First Nations communities alike.

As the Assembly of First Nations Regional Vice Chief, Perry spearheaded the national compensation package for First Nations Veterans and their spouses. Alongside the National First Nations Veterans Association, he fought to help First Nations Veterans get some of the compensation and benefits they deserved but did not receive upon their return to Canada after their military service. As the Grand Chief of the Federation of Saskatchewan Indian Nations, Perry negotiated and signed a twenty-five year gaming agreement with the Province of Saskatchewan, which stabilized the gaming industry.

Perry Bellegarde continues to lead and build consensus on resolving issues that benefit First Nations and inspire unity across the country. Throughout his career, working within a variety of political processes, Perry remains grateful for the strength and vision he has gained from the Elders. He vows to always place great importance on respecting their teachings. Their guidance has made him a man of foresight and a leader for generations.