Perry Bellegarde on reconnecting with language and ceremony

Explore: A Canadian Geographic podcast

Perry Bellegarde is the new Honorary President of the Royal Canadian Geographical Society — a ceremonial role previously held by the late Alex Trebek. You likely also know Bellegarde from his time as a transformational National Chief of the Assembly of First Nations from 2014 to 2021, where he helped push key legislation through Parliament, including the UN Declaration on the Rights of Indigenous Peoples Act and the Indigenous Languages Act. He is a proud member of the Little Black Bear First Nation in Treaty 4 territory in Saskatchewan. Last year he was named Nation Builder of the Year by the Empire Club for his “record of achievement built over 35 years in First Nations leadership and advocacy for Indigenous rights, human rights, and building bridges within Canada and globally."

In this lively and fascinating episode, Bellegarde discusses growing up in Little Black Bear, his time in First Nations politics, the importance of Indigenous languages, culture and ceremony, and his new role with RCGS.