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Wallace "Mad Bear" Anderson | |
|---|---|
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| Born | Wallace Anderson (1927-11-09)November 9, 1927 |
| Died | December 10, 1985(1985-12-10) (aged 58) |
| Occupation | Activist |
| Military career | |
| Allegiance |  United States of America |
| Branch |  United States Navy |
| Battles / wars | World War II Korean War |
Wallace "Mad Bear" Anderson (November 9, 1927 – December 10, 1985) was aTuscaroraactivist predominantly active in the 1950s who became a spokesman fortribal sovereignty.[1]
As a child, Anderson received the nickname "Mad Bear" from his grandmother due to his temper. As a young man, he enlisted in theU.S. Navy, serving duringWorld War II inOkinawa, and later inKorea during theKorean War. Anderson became an activist for American Indians Rights after being rejected for a loan under theGI Bill to build a house on theTuscarora reservation.[1]
Anderson led protests against Iroquois payment of New York State income taxes in 1957. Several hundredAkwesasneMohawks marched to theMassena, New York courthouse to burn court summons that were issued for unpaid taxes.
ThePower Authority of the State of New York seizedTuscarora Reservation land to build a reservoir to flood the land. Anderson was a key figure in the protest against theTuscarora Reservoir, blocking surveyors from entering the reservation and deflating tires of workers, as well as lying in the road to block trucks. Despite the protest efforts, theU.S. Supreme Court eventually ruled that the taking of the land was legal and the reservoir was built.[1]
In March 1959, Anderson helped to lead a revolt and declaration of sovereignty at theSix Nations Reserve inBrantford,Ontario, the borough founded byJoseph Brant. Following this declaration, twelveRoyal Canadian Mounted Police entered the reserve's council house, but the Iroquois forced them out.[2][1]