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The National Coalition on Racism in Sports and Media (NCRSM), a human rights organization directed by Native American leaders, congratulates Vernon Bellecourt (NCRSM President and founder; National Representative of the American Indian Movement Grand Governing Council) and Clyde Bellecourt (NCRSM National Board of Directors member, Chairman of the Board of the American Indian Movement Grand Governing Council) on their distinction as "Famous Minnesotan activists of the 20th Century" by the Saint Paul Pioneer Press. The Bellecourts were among four people to be honored in that list. In addiction, Dennis Banks (co-founder of the American Indian Movement) was distinguished by the Minneapolis Star Tribune as one of "100 Influential Minnesotans", where nominees were chosen based on the impact they had on the state.

"This is a sign that times have changed for Indian people in this country. Twenty years ago the American Indian Movement (AIM) was considered a radical subversive organization by the U.S. Government. In the past few decades, AIM has successfully challenged and introduced legislations to improve the lives of Indian people, it runs job training and youth service programs. Today, those same leaders share in important National and International forums, and are a valued voice when it comes to solving problems that affect Native people", remarked Michael S. Haney, NCRSM Executive Director and also leader in AIM.

The NCRSM sincerely hopes that the transformation of mainstream culture attitudes towards Indian people is completed in this new era, and that Indian people are accorded the respect and dignity all human beings deserve.

AIM and NCRSM have been at the forefront of the struggle against the use of Native imagery in sports mascots and logos, and marketing of products. These practices would not be tolerated if they affected any other historically oppressed ethnic group in this country, and they are indicative of the challenges Indian people face today.