John Boncore
John Boncore | |
---|---|
Dacajeweiah ("Splitting the Sky") | |
Born | January 7, 1952 |
Died | March 12, 2013 Chase, British Columbia, Canada | (aged 61)
Nationality | American |
Other names | John Pasquale Boncore, John Boncore Hill, John B. Hill, John Hill |
Occupation(s) | Activist and actor |
Known for | Participation in the Attica Prison revolt, Gustafsen Lake Standoff, and attempted arrest of George W. Bush |
John Boncore (January 7, 1952 – March 12, 2013), also known as John Pasquale Boncore, Dacajeweiah ("Splitting the Sky"), John Boncore Hill, John B. Hill, and John Hill, was a political activist and actor who first garnered media attention for his role in the 1971 Attica Prison revolt in upstate New York.[1][2][3][4][5]
Personal life
Boncore was born in
In 1993, Boncore met Sandra Bruderer, a Cree woman whom he later married, at a
Attica and political activities
Boncore was a leader in the Attica Prison revolt.[1][3] Although 43 people died during the five-day siege, including ten hostages taken by inmates, Boncore was the only person convicted of murder in the aftermath. Despite a legal defense mounted by famed attorney William Kunstler, Boncore was convicted in 1975 by a jury of the murder of prison guard William Quinn, whom he denied attacking as was claimed, and was sentenced to 20 years in prison.[1][3] However, in 1976, Boncore was granted clemency by New York governor Hugh Carey.[1]
Boncore later joined the
In 2009, Boncore was arrested while attempting to make a
He had intended to defend himself on the basis that Bush was a war criminal and that the RCMP was bound by law to assist him rather than arrest him. The judge in the case had scheduled 3 days for him to present his defence (he had asked for one). He died before he was able to present his defence.Death
On March 13, 2013, Boncore was found dead near his home on the Adams Lake Indian Reserve near Chase, British Columbia.[1][2] Media reports indicate he is believed to have died on March 12, 2013, after falling on cement steps and possibly suffering a blow to the head.[1][2] The coroner's office dismissed foul play before a planned autopsy was conducted.[2] Boncore is survived by Sandra Bruderer, six children, and five grandchildren.[1]
Films
- 2005: Deepwater as Joe Littlefeet
- 2005: Mindless Love as Dr. John
- 2005: Da Vinci's City Hall (TV Series) as Rocky
- 2006: Alice, I Think (TV Series)
- 2006: Men in Trees (TV Series)
- 2010: The Last Rites of Ransom Pride as John 'Splitting The Sky' Boncore
Notes
- ^ a b c d e f g h i j k l m n o Youds, Mike (March 20, 2013). "Native peace activist John Boncore found dead". Vancouver Sun. Retrieved April 9, 2014.
- ^ a b c d "Foul play ruled out in death of Adams Lake man". Salmon Arm Observer. Black Press, Inc. March 21, 2013. Retrieved April 9, 2014.
- ^ a b c d e "John Boncore Dead: Attica Prison Rioter Dies In B.C." Huffington Post. Associated Press. May 6, 2013. Retrieved April 9, 2014.
- ^ Hui, Stephen (March 22, 2013). "Indigenous warrior Splitting the Sky dies at 61". Straight.com. Vancouver Free Press. Retrieved April 9, 2014.
- ^ Splitting the Sky. "About Me". The 'Splitting the Sky' Blog. Retrieved April 9, 2014.
- ^ Chapter 39, "Going for Broke", in Blood In The Water: The Attica Prison Uprising of 1971 and Its Legacy, by Heather Ann Thompson, 2016
- ^ .
- ^ Matas, Robert (September 17, 2010). "Grappling with the complicated legacy of Gustafsen Lake". Globe and Mail. Retrieved April 9, 2014.