1. Bernie Whitebear, birth name Bernard Reyes, was an American Indian activist in Seattle, Washington, a co-founder of the Seattle Indian Health Board, the United Indians of All Tribes Foundation, and the Daybreak Star Cultural Center, established on 20 acres of land acquired for urban Indians in the city.
Bernie Whitebear was born Bernard Reyes to Mary Christian and Julian Reyes, a Filipino who largely assimilated to an Indian way of life.
Bernie Whitebear was popular in his otherwise all-white high school, although some of his classmates' parents didn't approve of them socializing with an Indian.
Bernie Whitebear soon changed his name to "Bernie Whitebear" and renewed his friendship with Satiacum and others who were fighting for native fishing rights on the Puyallup River and elsewhere in Western Washington.
Bernie Whitebear wanted to support the recovery and retention of culture that was becoming lost as Indians adapted to a changing world and sometimes lost specific tribal knowledge and traditions.
Bernie Whitebear tracked down Indians knowledgeable in these various traditions, and he taught himself many of the traditional songs and dances of Native cultures.
In 1968, Bernie Whitebear put together a Native American dance group to tour Southeastern Europe along with the Balkan-style Koleda Dance Ensemble.
Bernie Whitebear brought together some of the leading singers, dancers, and drummers of Plateau and Plains traditions, as well as of the regional Northwest Coast Indians.
Bernie Whitebear was later appointed as the deputy director of the federal Indian Health Service.
Shortly after this, Bernie Whitebear became deeply involved in a movement for Seattle Indians to acquire a share of the land to be declared surplus at Fort Lawton, as the government downsized this army post.
On March 8,1970, Bernie Whitebear was among the leaders of about 100 "Native Americans and sympathizers" who confronted military police in riot gear at the fort.
Bernie Whitebear continued to build the UIATF as an institution, with programs ranging from the La-ba-te-yah youth home in the Crown Hill neighborhood to the Sacred Circle Art Gallery at Daybreak Star.
Bernie Whitebear acted like a parent to "every Indian kid in Seattle", according to his brother.
Bernie Whitebear gave away most money that came his way to those he considered needier, sometimes borrowing money from his siblings to do so.