Leonard Peltier Freedom Month Proposal

Though long overdue for parole, and in deteriorating health, Mr. Peltier remains in prison. Amnesty International and numerous other human rights organizations have recognized him as a political prisoner and demanded his immediate and unconditional release. In 1991, over 300 representatives of First Nations, Black and Popular Movements from Alaska to the Tierra del Fuego, gathered in Xelaju (Guatemala) for the 500 Year Continental campaign. They recognized Leonard Peltier as the symbol of Indigenous Resistance and his call for freedom is supported by numerous Indigenous organizations worldwide and has repeatedly been a major concern in the frame work of the United Nations - International Decade for the Rights of Indigenous Peoples. It is clear that the judicial system in the United States has utterly failed Mr. Peltier, and thus, indirectly, all of the American people. We recognize that we must now demand justice from the other two branches of our government, specifically, the executive and legislative branches. President Clinton has the power to grant clemency to Leonard Peltier at any time, and the United States Congress is charged with overseeing the correct conduct of affairs by such agencies as the United States Parole Board, and the FBI. Even misconduct by the courts is subject to comment and review by the Congressional judiciary committee. In order to obtain action and justice from these offices, all sectors of society, both domestic and international, must make themselves heard, all with the same message, and all at the same time. This will require an enormous amount of public education as well as coordination. For this reason, we are seeking your assistance for our November 1999 - Leonard Peltier Freedom Month in Washington D.C. As we all know, November is the month of Thanksgiving in the United States. According to historical legend, the first Thanksgiving was held by the pilgrims to give thanks to God for their very survival in North America. They had been saved from starvation by kindly Native Americans who taught them about local crops and wildlife. The pilgrims, in turn, thanked the Lord and exterminated the tribes. Leonard Peltier is but one more of the most recent victims. As people this year sit down to their feasts, surrounded by friends and family, we plan for them to think carefully about the treatment of all Native Americans, and in particular about Leonard Peltier, alone in his prison cell. November has also been declared Native American Heritage month by President Clinton, and we plan to hold him to his word. Traditionally, Clemency Petitions are granted by the President at the end of each year. November will thus be a critical month. Moreover, the Parole Board could reconsider Leonard’s parole situation in the early spring, making a November action extremely timely. Our actions on behalf of Leonard Peltier will be very strong, but non-violent in all ways, as requested by Mr. Peltier himself. We will ask all sectors of society to join us in Washington D.C. for as long as they are able to arrange. The event will begin on November 1, 1999, with Native American ceremonial runners at the historical Liberty Bell in Philadelphia. After a speech and prayer session there, they will run all the way to the White House in Washington D.C., where they will be met by all local supporters, and a religious leaders of high standing, such as Bishop Desmond Tutu, together with a Native American religious leader of equal standing. Together they will welcome the runners, and officially open Leonard Peltier Freedom Month. We plan to erect ceremonial teepees behind the White House for the month, and conduct a Native American ceremony in front of the White House each and every morning, inviting public attendance. Meanwhile, ten young Native Americans will carry out a Freedom Fast for Peltier in front of the White House from November 1 through Thanksgiving day itself, underscoring the urgent need to grant him justice at last. Additionally we are asking for cultural activities including dancing, drumming, and singing from different Indigenous nations to represent the pride for Native tradition and culture that Mr. Peltier has always advocated. We will also invite all peoples of all races to carry out support activities, both in Washington and at home. Such activities could include such educational efforts as a reenactment of the massacre of Wounded Knee in key public parks and other symbolic places. Throughout the month, Mr. Peltier’s family and friends will work carefully with Congressional offices, and there will also be carefully coordinated with the domestic press corps. For those who cannot travel to Washington D.C., a coordinated and massive telephone campaign to the White House will be organized. Our goals are both educational and political. The true facts of the Leonard Peltier case are well known and notorious abroad, but have been heavily censored within the United States. We must teach the American people what had truly taken place, and urge them to speak out. Most importantly we must bring these facts to members of the United States Congress. They alone can bring the appropriate and effective pressure to bear, both upon President Clinton as well as the Board of Parole and the FBI itself. Please give us your full support. Leonard Peltier is a gifted native American leader who still has much to give his people. 23 years of his life have been taken away and his health is beginning to fail. Please help him to obtain justice and freedom for him so that he can continue to give his gifts to us all. We are asking you to help Leonard Peltier by endorsing this event, sending letters or resolutions to U.S. officials urging immediate and unconditional release of Leonard Peltier, sending representatives of your nation to carry out traditional, cultural, and spiritual activities in honor of Leonard Peltier, sending delegations to Washington DC next November. If you are able to contribute in any of the above ways, please contact the address below as soon as possible. Thank you. Leonard Peltier Defense Committee Leonard Peltier Defense Committee PO Box 583 Lawrence, KS 66044 785-842-5774