Singer Harry Belafonte, left, paused outside the St. Paul Federal Building Wednesday with AIM leader Dennis Banks, a co-defendant in the Wounded Knee trial, on Aug. 29, 1974. Belafonte, who attended the trial with his family, said he believes that AIM is in a position similar to that of black civil-rights organizations of the 1960s. “What’s really on trial here,” he said, is the validity of AIM.” (Earl Seubert/TNS)

Our hearts weigh heavy as we learn that a great peace warrior has walked on. Today, an iconic artist and humanitarian champion, Harry Belafonte, began his journey to the spirit world. On behalf of Native Children's Survival, we send our love and warmest condolences to the Belafonte Family, friends, and colleagues.

As the news breaks worldwide and the media memorializes Mr. Belafonte's groundbreaking career, accolades, and the grass-roots movements he championed, Harry's support and solidarity with the American Indian Movement and Indigenous Peoples need not be invisible. Like the Civil Rights Movement in the United States and the anti-apartheid struggle in South Africa, Harry stood alongside our leaders through turbulent times. He was a trusted confidant and ally, an ambassador of movements who used his gifts to speak truth to power and unite and uplift us all. Harry Belafonte believed in Indigenous Peoples' self-determination and human and civil rights. And for that, we are forever grateful. In ceremony, song, dance, and prayer, rest in power, brother.