Leonard Peltier, a name synonymous with Indigenous rights activism and a focal point of legal and human rights debates, became eligible for a parole hearing in December 2008, after spending over three decades in federal prison. This article delves into the life, activism, and controversial conviction of Leonard Peltier, highlighting the key events leading to his incarceration and the ongoing efforts advocating for his release. The impending parole hearing presented a critical juncture in a case that has drawn international attention and sparked passionate debate regarding justice, fairness, and the treatment of Native Americans within the U.S. legal system.
A Life Shaped by History: Leonard Peltier was born on September 12th, marking his 64th birthday in 2008, in Grand Forks, North Dakota. His heritage is rooted in the Anishinabe and Lakota Nations, reflecting a deep connection to his Indigenous identity. Growing up in poverty with twelve siblings, his early life was marked by the systemic injustices and assimilation policies prevalent during that era. At the tender age of eight, Peltier was forcibly removed from his family and placed in a U.S. government-run residential boarding school. These institutions were often characterized by harsh conditions and aimed to eradicate Native culture and language, leaving a lasting impact on generations of Indigenous children.
Activism and the American Indian Movement: In the late 1960s and early 1970s, Leonard Peltier dedicated himself to serving Native communities. He worked as a welder, carpenter, and community counselor, traveling between Washington and Wisconsin to address the needs of Indigenous people. His commitment to social justice led him to the American Indian Movement (AIM), where he became deeply involved in advocating for Native rights and sovereignty. He joined the Denver, Colorado chapter of AIM, working as a community counselor to address unemployment, alcohol abuse, and inadequate housing. He actively participated in the spiritual and traditional programs of AIM, solidifying his commitment to preserving Indigenous culture and traditions.
Leonard Peltier’s commitment deepened with his participation in the 1972 "Trail of Broken Treaties," a protest march that culminated in the occupation of the Bureau of Indian Affairs (BIA) building in Washington D.C. This event highlighted the long history of broken promises and injustices suffered by Native Americans at the hands of the U.S. government.
His involvement with AIM eventually led him to the Pine Ridge Indian Reservation in South Dakota, where he assisted the Oglala Lakota people. He played a role in planning community activities, religious ceremonies, and programs aimed at self-sufficiency and improved living conditions. Peltier also contributed to the security of traditional people who were targeted by violence from the pro-assimilation tribal chairman and his vigilantes. The Pine Ridge Reservation was experiencing a period of intense conflict and violence, earning it the grim distinction of having the highest murder rate in the United States during the "Reign of Terror," surpassing even Detroit, which was then considered America’s most violent city.
The Incident at Oglala and Peltier’s Conviction: The tragic shootout of June 26, 1975, on the Pine Ridge Reservation, became the turning point in Leonard Peltier’s life. During this confrontation, two FBI agents, Jack Coler and Ronald Williams, were killed. Leonard Peltier was subsequently convicted of their murders and sentenced to two consecutive life sentences.
The circumstances surrounding Peltier’s conviction have been a source of intense controversy. Critics argue that the prosecution relied on fabricated testimony and circumstantial evidence. The prosecution’s case was weakened by the fact that two other defendants, tried separately for the same incident, were acquitted on the grounds of self-defense. Furthermore, the government prosecutors have, at times, acknowledged that they do not know who killed Coler and Williams, nor what specific role Leonard Peltier "may have" played in the shootout.
Adding another layer of complexity to the case, a BIA criminal investigator named Paul Herman was implicated in the brutal torture and murder of a 14-year-old girl named Sandra Wounded Foot around the time of Leonard Peltier’s conviction. Herman was allowed to plead guilty to a manslaughter charge and served a relatively short prison sentence. Critics point to this disparity as evidence of systemic bias within the justice system.
The Fight for Freedom and International Support: The Leonard Peltier Defense Offense Committee (LP DOC) has been at the forefront of efforts to raise awareness about his case and advocate for his release. They have campaigned to educate the public about the alleged injustices in his trial and conviction, mobilizing supporters to take action.
The case of Leonard Peltier has resonated deeply with the international community, becoming a symbol of perceived human rights violations within the United States. Prominent figures such as Nelson Mandela, Rigoberta Menchu, the Dalai Lama, and Rev. Jesse Jackson, as well as organizations like the European Parliament and the Kennedy Memorial Center for Human Rights, have called for his freedom. Amnesty International considers him a "political prisoner" who should be "immediately and unconditionally released."
For many Indigenous peoples, Leonard Peltier represents the long history of abuse and repression they have faced. The National Congress of American Indians and the Assembly of First Nations, representing the majority of First Nations in the U.S. and Canada, have repeatedly called for his release.
Life Behind Bars and Continued Activism: Despite the harsh conditions of imprisonment, Leonard Peltier has remained an active and influential figure. From behind bars, he has established scholarships for Native students and special programs for Indigenous youth. He has served on the advisory board of the Rosenberg Fund for Children and has sponsored children in Central America. He has also donated to battered women’s shelters, organized the annual Christmas drive for the people of Pine Ridge Reservation, and promoted prisoner art programs.
His contributions have been widely recognized, earning him numerous awards, including the North Star Frederick Douglas Award, the Federation of Labour (Ontario, Canada) Humanist of the Year Award, the Human Rights Commission of Spain International Human Rights Prize, and the 2004 Silver Arrow Award for Lifetime Achievement. He was also nominated for the Nobel Peace Prize five times in 2004, 2006, and 2007.
Leonard Peltier: The Artist and Author: Leonard Peltier has also found an outlet for his creativity through art and writing. He paints portraits of his people, capturing their cultures and histories in oil paintings. He has written poetry and prose from prison, and completed a biography titled "Prison Writings: My Life Is My Sun Dance" (St. Martin’s Press, NY, 1999), which offers a powerful and moving account of his life and experiences. Leonard Peltier credits his ability to endure his circumstances to his spiritual practices and the unwavering love and support from his family and supporters.
The Parole Hearing and Call to Action: Leonard Peltier’s first full parole hearing was held in 1993, resulting in a 15-year reconsideration. He became eligible for another full parole hearing in December 2008. The application for parole was to be filed at his discretion, with the hearing anticipated to occur in January 2009, according to the Parole Commission’s schedule for in-person parole reviews at USP-Lewisburg, where he was incarcerated.
The article emphasized the need for public support to influence the parole board’s decision. It urged individuals to sign an online petition, write letters of support, and encourage tribal nations to pass formal resolutions for submission to the U.S. Parole Board. Instructions were provided for contributing to Mr. Peltier’s commissary account through mail and Western Union. The article also encouraged people to write letters and cards of support to Leonard Peltier at his prison address. Finally, it urged readers to contact Congressmen, the President, Human Rights Organizations, and Tribal Leaders to advocate for his freedom. The case of Leonard Peltier has always been controversial.
The December 2008 parole hearing represented a significant opportunity for Leonard Peltier and his supporters. It was a chance to present arguments for his release and to highlight the concerns surrounding his conviction. The outcome of the hearing had the potential to reshape the narrative of a case that has become deeply intertwined with issues of Indigenous rights, justice, and the legacy of historical injustices. The article served as a call to action, urging individuals to lend their voices and resources to the fight for freedom for Leonard Peltier.