Oglala Commemoration

My life is an extended agony. I feel like I've lived a hundred lifetimes in prison already. And maybe I have. But I'm prepared to live thousands more on behalf... of my people. If my imprisonment does nothing more than educate an unknowing and uncaring public about the terrible conditions Native Americans and all indigenous people around the world continue to endure, then my suffering has had and continues to have a purpose. My people's struggle to survive inspires my own struggle to survive. Each of us must be a survivor. Leonard Peltier, Prison Writings: My Life Is My Sun Dance

My life is an extended agony. I feel like I've lived a hundred lifetimes in prison already. And maybe I have. But I'm prepared to live thousands more on behalf... of my people. If my imprisonment does nothing more than educate an unknowing and uncaring public about the terrible conditions Native Americans and all indigenous people around the world continue to endure, then my suffering has had and continues to have a purpose. My people's struggle to survive inspires my own struggle to survive. Each of us must be a survivor. Leonard Peltier, Prison Writings: My Life Is My Sun Dance

CALL TO ACTION: I have communicated with the ACLU. They don't have an email directory so everything has to be done by snail mail. Please write the ACLU and ask ...if they would advocate for Clemency for Leonard Peltier? Cite the recent article where it stated that the ACLU was going to be aggressively pushing for 25,000 Clemencies under the Biden administration. This would include Elder/ At Risk prisoners that are serving lengthy sentences , which qualifies Leonard. Ask them if they would publicly advocate for Leonard's Freedom. Maybe Sioux Messinger can help by composing a form letter? If you're not interested in that, keep it simple and write from your heart. * Leonard himself requested this action ACLU ATTN: David Cole and Cynthia W. Roseberry 125 Broad Street 18th Floor N.Y, N.Y 10004 Thanks to Sioux Messinger for this great form letter! Feel free to use it or write your own: ACLU ATTN: David Cole + Cynthia W. Roseberry 125 Broad Street - 18th Floor New York, NY 10004 RE: Requesting ACLU’s Advocacy for Leonard Peltier’s Clemency February 3, 2021 Dear David, Cynthia and other ACLU Team Members, This is a heartfelt and urgent request that ACLU strongly advocate for Leonard Peltier’s clemency. I applaud the ACLU’s intention to push for 25,000 clemencies under the Biden administration, including elders and other at-risk prisoners. To these points: Leonard Peltier is an elder, 76 years old. Leonard is at-risk, with serious health issues, including heart conditions and an aneurysm. Please consider: Health: Leonard’s health has been in jeopardy for many years. Mr. Peltier suffers from a heart condition, high blood pressure, an aneurysm, and diabetes. The coronavirus puts him at further undue risk. Falsely Convicted: Many believe that Mr. Peltier is not guilty and, at the very least, did not receive a fair trial. Both a former FBI agent and a trial judge involved in his case now strongly believe he is not guilty. Judge Heaney, who originally authored the decision denying a new trial, has since voiced firm support for Mr. Peltier’s release, stating that the FBI used improper tactics to convict Mr. Peltier. In addition, an FBI agent who had previously testified changed his account. Further, a ballistic test proved that the bullet casing did not come from the gun tied to Mr. Peltier. Model Behavior: His behavior as a prisoner for over 40 years shows that he is not a threat to others. Leonard has received several human rights awards for his good deeds from behind bars which include annual gift drives for the children of Pine Ridge, fundraisers for battered women’s shelters, and donations of his paintings to Native American recovery programs. Safety: No one will be harmed by Mr. Peltier’s release. Many will be supported by his release, including Mr. Peltier, his family and the First Nations’ people. Leonard’s prison term has far surpassed the term which inmates with similar charges have served; he’s done now! The Former Federal Prosecutor of Leonard's case, James Reynold's, admitted to wrong doings in the legal proceedings and wrote a personal letter to Pres. Obama in support of Clemency. As for the famously controversial trial for the June 1975 shootings and subsequent appeal from Peltier which was rejected Reynolds admitted that "we might have shaved a few corners here and there." N.Y Daily News Please find facts, trial transcripts and more here: https://www.whoisleonardpeltier.info. Releasing Leonard Peltier would be a balm for the First Nations' people. They are due much by our nation and our government; this small act is beyond due. Thank you, ACLU, for your strong advocacy of Leonard Peltier! Respectfully yours, 000 [your name] A attachment that could be printed out will be available soon. Carol Gokee ILPDC See more

CALL TO ACTION: I have communicated with the ACLU. They don't have an email directory so everything has to be done by snail mail. Please write the ACLU and ask ...if they would advocate for Clemency for Leonard Peltier? Cite the recent article where it stated that the ACLU was going to be aggressively pushing for 25,000 Clemencies under the Biden administration. This would include Elder/ At Risk prisoners that are serving lengthy sentences , which qualifies Leonard. Ask them if they would publicly advocate for Leonard's Freedom. Maybe Sioux Messinger can help by composing a form letter? If you're not interested in that, keep it simple and write from your heart. * Leonard himself requested this action ACLU ATTN: David Cole and Cynthia W. Roseberry 125 Broad Street 18th Floor N.Y, N.Y 10004 Thanks to Sioux Messinger for this great form letter! Feel free to use it or write your own: ACLU ATTN: David Cole + Cynthia W. Roseberry 125 Broad Street - 18th Floor New York, NY 10004 RE: Requesting ACLU’s Advocacy for Leonard Peltier’s Clemency February 3, 2021 Dear David, Cynthia and other ACLU Team Members, This is a heartfelt and urgent request that ACLU strongly advocate for Leonard Peltier’s clemency. I applaud the ACLU’s intention to push for 25,000 clemencies under the Biden administration, including elders and other at-risk prisoners. To these points: Leonard Peltier is an elder, 76 years old. Leonard is at-risk, with serious health issues, including heart conditions and an aneurysm. Please consider: Health: Leonard’s health has been in jeopardy for many years. Mr. Peltier suffers from a heart condition, high blood pressure, an aneurysm, and diabetes. The coronavirus puts him at further undue risk. Falsely Convicted: Many believe that Mr. Peltier is not guilty and, at the very least, did not receive a fair trial. Both a former FBI agent and a trial judge involved in his case now strongly believe he is not guilty. Judge Heaney, who originally authored the decision denying a new trial, has since voiced firm support for Mr. Peltier’s release, stating that the FBI used improper tactics to convict Mr. Peltier. In addition, an FBI agent who had previously testified changed his account. Further, a ballistic test proved that the bullet casing did not come from the gun tied to Mr. Peltier. Model Behavior: His behavior as a prisoner for over 40 years shows that he is not a threat to others. Leonard has received several human rights awards for his good deeds from behind bars which include annual gift drives for the children of Pine Ridge, fundraisers for battered women’s shelters, and donations of his paintings to Native American recovery programs. Safety: No one will be harmed by Mr. Peltier’s release. Many will be supported by his release, including Mr. Peltier, his family and the First Nations’ people. Leonard’s prison term has far surpassed the term which inmates with similar charges have served; he’s done now! The Former Federal Prosecutor of Leonard's case, James Reynold's, admitted to wrong doings in the legal proceedings and wrote a personal letter to Pres. Obama in support of Clemency. As for the famously controversial trial for the June 1975 shootings and subsequent appeal from Peltier which was rejected Reynolds admitted that "we might have shaved a few corners here and there." N.Y Daily News Please find facts, trial transcripts and more here: https://www.whoisleonardpeltier.info. Releasing Leonard Peltier would be a balm for the First Nations' people. They are due much by our nation and our government; this small act is beyond due. Thank you, ACLU, for your strong advocacy of Leonard Peltier! Respectfully yours, 000 [your name] A attachment that could be printed out will be available soon. Carol Gokee ILPDC See more

Just In from our Native legislators #RiseUpForPeltier #FreeLeonardPeltier

Just In from our Native legislators #RiseUpForPeltier #FreeLeonardPeltier

May Update - https://mailchi.mp/aa7143f24ed4/may-update-8164749

Weblink corrected

May Update - https://mailchi.mp/ed51f4da938e/may-update

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May 8th, 2021 visit with Leonard~ The visiting room was unusually empty on this day, only one other inmate had his family come visit, but no one else Every... other Saturday is the only time they can have visitors. Makes you sad that no other inmates had anyone come to see them. I drive over 1300 miles every two weeks, lockdowns permitting for him to have that 2 hrs of freedom from his cell. And I will continue to be there for him when he needs it the most We spoke about his childhood, his MANY girlfriends, and his great grandchildren. Who he misses the most! He wants to be there for all of them, to teach them how to take care of their elders and their families. How to paint pictures and fix cars and to plant gardens. And going to college is the MOST important thing he wants for them. He doesn’t want to see them struggle like he did. Life was hard for Leonard his whole life, from boarding schools, to racism, to g o v t corruption, to the loss of his life! And he has NEVER wavered with who he is, never being anyone other than a kind, respectful and honorable man! He once told me that he’s never owned more than 2 sets of clothes in his whole life! His selfless acts abound as he tells me about the auto mechanic shop he ran that went bankrupt because he saw how many people struggled to pay their bills, so, of course, he fixed a lot of cars for free! And just like that, it was over. And as the guard prompted me to move over to the exit door, Leonard kept talking, and I couldn’t leave him. The guard reminded me again that visitation was over, but I couldn’t do it. He’s right there, my mind was saying, Just take his hand and walk out that door After the third request, with a tear in my eye, Leonard motioned for me to go or he’ll get in trouble, and as I turned to say my final goodbye I could see his eyes start to well up. And that is a hell I wouldn’t wish on anyone So, with no other family members available to visit, I will be back every 2 weeks to see him. So, until we visit again Tate Wikuwa~ I will miss you~

Posted by Carol Gokee Good morning everybody! Just wanted to give an update on my visit with Leonard. Very frustrating procedure just to get in to see that man..., but I made it, and when he came through the doors to visit, he came out just like a pony coming out the gate! He was almost dancing in his step! And he wanted me to give everybody his best and wants us to continue the good fight, not only for his freedom, but for the health and well-being of ourselves and our earth mother! He wants us to continue to fight to protect the water, And to promote climate change, as well as doing anything we can to help our fellow brother and sister out when they are down on their luck See more

CALL TO ACTION: I have communicated with the ACLU. They don't have an email directory so everything has to be done by snail mail. Please write the ACLU and ask if they would advocate for Clemency for Leonard Peltier? Cite the recent article where it stated that the ACLU was going to be aggressively pushing for 25,000 Clemencies under the Biden administration. This would include Elder/ At Risk prisoners that are serving lengthy sentences , which qualifies Leonard. Ask them if ...they would publicly advocate for Leonard's Freedom. Maybe Sioux Messinger can help by composing a form letter? If you're not interested in that, keep it simple and write from your heart. * Leonard himself requested this action ACLU ATTN: David Cole and Cynthia W. Roseberry 125 Broad Street 18th Floor N.Y, N.Y 10004 Carol Gokee International Leonard Peltier Defense Committee See more

To heal will require real effort, and a change of heart, from all of us. To heal means that we will begin to look upon one another with respect and tolerance instead of prejudice, distrust and hatred. We will have to teach our children-as well as ourselves-to love the diversity of humanity.... We can do it. Yes, you and I and all of us together. Now is the time. ... Now is the only possible time. Let the Great Healing begin. Leonard Peltier See more

AIM is a Verb, Not a Noun Halito! Hello there, if you haven’t had enough here we go again. It has come to my attention from various friends and contacts that t...here is a lot of controversy on the internet and elsewhere I suppose, about who is AIM and who is not, who is sanctioned and who is not. I ask for just a bit of your time to express a point of view from inside the Movement. To begin with, I would like to say the American Indian Movement is a verb, not a noun. It is my firm belief that the Movement started in 1492 with the first mistreatment of indigenous people by Columbus and his entourage. The Movement is an expression of desperation of our people. The Movement has people on all levels of involvement and it encompasses all our people. As an old saying goes, You’re either going forward or backward; nobody stands still. Having said that, I recognize and respect the people of the different factions and chapters and enclaves of AIM people. Describing AIM is like the old story of four blind men describing an elephant. I believe it is a Buddhist story... it all depends on where one is standing and the moral of the story is that one person’s perception may not be that of another. I clearly remember ceremonies at the BIA building preceding the Custer riot, prior to a lot of the things that happened at Wounded Knee, prior to all the things that happened at Sioux Falls, and the many other places where there was the potential for extreme harm and possibly death. I can remember prayers and the talks we had, the stories we shared by people who had been mistreated, and most of all I can remember the commitment of people who were willing to die to make a difference for the indigenous peoples of the Americas. I remember watching the We Shall Remain series or parts of it, showing Crow Dog putting some paint on some people. That was a ceremony where the people who committed to fight to the death gave their pledge. To me that was a manifestation of the desperation of our people. That was the Movement of our people attempting to make a change for the future for our people - a change that would bring the right to have Native American entrepreneurs and businesses, and further the sovereignty that was guaranteed to us by treaty. Back in the 70’s and probably even before that, there were bumper stickers that said, Sovereignty and Brotherhood and a lot of other cliches I guess that identified some of our attitude about the struggles of our people. Everywhere I look I can see those successes: businesses on reservations, increased availability of resources for our people. However, the struggle is still here. We are still the poorest group in America. Still the highest level of suicide rates, 2 and 3 times the national average for adults, 4 and 5 times the national rate for youth in some areas, some even higher than that. Our sovereignty is still not won, it is a continuing struggle; the Lakota still embroiled in a struggle to regain their Black Hills; the Choctaw and Chickasaw embroiled in a law suit struggle to retain their water rights for various lakes in their areas. The Six Nations have forever been involved in retaining their rights trying to reclaim their lands and most tribes throughout America are continually at odds with the states that surround their respective areas. We still, in most of those areas, have the highest prison population per capita. Our youth are 3 times more adjudicated as adults and stand trial as such. The list goes on and on. There will always be a need for the American Indian Movement because of the way people who came here from other lands seek wealth and take more than they need. These things I just spoke of are views that are shared by all Movement people throughout the Americas, which includes North, South and Central America. Being a member of the American Indian Movement isn’t something that requires sewing a patch on your jacket or placing a poster on your wall, or a document in a frame. It is a place in your heart and a commitment of your spirit to make a difference. And when you do you will in your own way represent the Movement of our people that started in 1492. The Movement of our people in South America that died fighting the exploitation of their forests. The Movement of our people fighting for their lands in the east and the west and in the north, our people who fought against Pizarro, the ones who fought against Ponce de Leon, De Soto and Custer and a host of others who have killed our people; and... I should not forget the ones who gave out poison blankets. Those were just a small handful of names from the past; there were many, many, many, more. We must take notice that these types of enemies of our people still exist. There are people who would like to do away with all our sovereign rights, all our reservations, all our programs and relegate us to cleaning their pools, mowing their lawns, and picking their vegetables. We as a people have made great gains in the last 30 something years, however the enemies of our people are still strong, and their commitment is still the same. We need to keep our commitment the same. When we run out of enemies then we can afford to argue among ourselves about who is AIM and who is not. It is a continuing ploy of armies and governments to divide and conquer. In the book The Art of War, by Lao Tzu, a main theme is the concept of 'destroy the infrastructure or gain control of it.' If we start accepting federal aid as AIM people, if we start running to their police programs to turn each other in or against each other, then we strengthen their hold over us. You cannot talk of sovereignty then ask the ones who would take that away to solve your problems or to dispense their level of justice on our people. We have the capacity to solve our own problems; we have the capacity to met out justice within our own culture. When we seek approval of our enemy and turn against one another, then we lose for sure. There are individuals past and present who have served as scouts for our enemies. That is a sad thing. There are people past and present among our ranks who have sought to denigrate the efforts of Movement people and to discredit Movement people, especially those who were overtly active and difficult for the enemy to control. For the American Indian Movement people our value system for the most part is tied to our cultural values and our relationship to the earth. One of the greatest things I’ve seen happen as a result of the American Indian Movement has been the recognition by the world that our prophecies are coming true regarding the earth and nature, our greatest manifestation of the Creator we have to relate to. It has been my observation that a lot of religious leaders want to relegate God or the Creator to the supernatural and totally ignore the natural magic of the Creator all around us. The magic of the sun coming up every morning, or a tree, or a flower, or a deer running across the road, or any measure of existence that is all around us represents the handy work of the Creator. I believe this happens because they want to exploit these things. It seems to come from some land somewhere where everyone wants to be a king and rule over someone else. The whole concept of freedom and democracy comes from our land, the confederacy of the Six Nation Iroquois law, the Constitution of the United States, the belief that every person has a right to do what they want as long as they don’t hurt someone else in the process, and so long as they don’t destroy the common things that the Creator imbued us with: the right to enjoy the earth and nature. These things I’ve just mentioned are what we talk about in Movement circles, in sweat lodges, at sun dances and a host of other ceremonies we take part in. These things are the essence of the Movement. I can tell you one thing for sure. If you stand strong in the circles of the Movement, some or someone will no doubt condemn you and they will seek to render you as ineffective as possible. When you hear one of these stories about somebody, it might be worth your while to investigate the claims of the accuser and also the motives of the accuser. I know none of our people are perfect, anyone knows that. Nor is anyone else. We are all human, with all the positive and negative things that make up our life. But standing together in every way we can, seeking to identify the things we have in common, and working out the things we disagree on, will serve us much better than wasting our time on name calling. We are all children of the Creator and for you that are parents, think how disheartening it is when your children quarrel with one another. I can tell you for sure there’s enough work to go around. I want to say I deeply respect and feel honored to have worked at different times with all the different people in the Movement that I have met. And always remember something one person said one time, I can’t remember exactly who said it... We are like a large family; we don’t always get along but we are still family. Throughout the North Central and South Americas we are one people. We may have somewhat different languages and cultures, but we are still one people with one enemy: those who would take more than they need. In closing, I always remember when a young friend of mine, when asked if he was AIM, said Aiee I Am! Whether you agree with me or not, I do hope in some way it might help you resolve some of your differences because we need each other and that is a fact. The world needs American Indian people and our culture and our view of how to live upon this earth. Think about it, pray about it, go to a sweat, or to one of our ceremonies, find some way to work together. I remember at one sweat lodge on the barn next to the sweat lodge someone had written, It ain’t all about you, it’s about our people. We have a rich heritage, a rich culture and at one time, this was the richest land on the face of this earth. And I’m not talking about money, I’m talking about a relationship with the Earth and the resources the Creator gave us. May the Great Spirit bless you with the things you need and may you enjoy the life you have and know fulfilment in doing what’s right and righting what’s wrong. Your brother in the movement, David Hill Choctaw from Oklahoma