Trudell is ‘about the movement’

By JILL AHO

Who is John Trudell?

Trudell is described as a poet, activist, spoken-word artist, actor and singer. This multifaceted creator has drawn acclaim from recording artists and activists for his message and rhythm. A documentary about his life will be shown for free in the Mt. Hood Community College Theater tonight at 7:15 p.m., and he will speak Saturday in the College Theater. Saturday’s event also hosts Adrian Xavier, with doors opening at 6:30 p.m. Tickets are $5 at the door.

The cost of this event is a bargain. Adrian Xavier, a Seattle native, creates reggae rhythms and Trudell’s voice is deep and compelling, while delivering an anti-oppression message that most will relate to.

Trudell’s life as a recording artist has compelled him to produce 11 albums from 1983 to his most recent release, “Bone Days” which came out in 2001. His life inspired filmmaker Heather Rae to spend 12 years creating a documentary about him. The presence he has led to his acting career; Trudell has been in seven films, in addition to the documentary “Trudell.”

SAB Multicultural Coordinator Robert Van Pelt is the man responsible for bringing Trudell to MHCC.

“When I was 14, I heard him speak,” Van Pelt said. “His was one of the strongest voices I’ve ever heard in my life, and is still one of the strongest voices I’ve ever heard.”

Van Pelt’s brother, Darelle “Dino” Butler, is in the documentary. “I was one of the people who got to know him well,” he said of Trudell. Butler was involved with Trudell’s political activities and knew his family, including Trudell’s wife Tina, their children and her parents.

Trudell became a political activist after participating in the occupation of Alcatraz Island with the group Indians of All Tribes. The occupation was meant to be symbolic, but lasted from November 1969 to June 1971, with Trudell emerging as a spokesperson for Indians of All Tribes. Trudell then moved on to the American Indian Movement (AIM), becoming chairperson from 1973 to 1979. AIM has successfully sued the government for American Indian rights and was politically active in the 1970s.

In 1979 Trudell’s family was killed in an unexplained fire. Butler was asked about Trudell’s wife Tina, who died in the blaze. As Butler prepared to respond, a hummingbird flew between him and the camera, hovered then flew away. Butler took that as a sign.

“I said I couldn’t talk about Tina because there was more healing to be done,” Butler said. “I really can’t explain it. It was like a spiritual experience for me. It helped me start the healing process.” Butler said he realized he had been carrying his grief over her death, and felt by doing so, he was keeping her from the spirit world. He said he thought, “I gotta let them go, let them take that journey to the spirit world. We’re trying to keep them with us. That was the message.”

Van Pelt confesses the film is full of symbolism like this. Butler said, “It’s important for people to understand what happened back then. If we didn’t do the things we did 20 years ago, a lot of programs in the community wouldn’t be here today.”

Van Pelt feels strongly about showing the film. “It’s information that should be shown. It shows there’s no difference in the culture of oppression.”

Butler added, “It wasn’t a free ride, we lost some people along the way. It’s not just about Trudell, it’s about the movement.”