Feb 02 2016
Activists Mark Leonard Peltier’s 40th Year of Incarceration
GUEST: Corine Fairbanks, Director of the American Indian Movement, Southern California chapter.
On February 6th, 1976, American Indian Movement activist Leonard Peltier was arrested in Canada and extradited to the United States. He was tried and convicted for the deaths of two FBI agents, Jack Coler and Ron Williams, during what has become known as the “Incident at Oglala.”
On June 26th the previous year, Coler and Williams entered Jumping Bull Ranch, allegedly seeking the arrest of Jimmy Eagle, a young Native American man. Peltier and others had gathered at Jumping Bull Ranch for self-defense against increasing police violence. A shootout ensued, resulting in the deaths of Coler and Williams and a Native American man named Joe Stuntz.
An FBI manhunt lead to the arrest of three AIM members, including Leonard Peltier. In a separate trial, the other two AIM members Dino Butler and Robert Robideau were found not guilty of the crimes. Peltier, on the other hand, was found guilty by an all-white jury. Many believe that he did not receive a fair trail.
Peltier, who has been repeatedly denied parole, has garnered international support as a political prisoner. As we approach the 40th anniversary of his arrest, we examine the latest legal efforts to release him, and the events planned in commemoration.
To find out more visit www.whoisleonardpeltier.info.
Change.org petition to demand clemency from President Obama: https://www.change.org/p/free-leonard-peltier-contact-the-president-to-grant-leonard-peltier-clemency.
Events:
Inglewood, California
Chuco’s Justice Center
1137 E Redondo Blvd.
Inglewood, California 90302
February 6 at 2:00-9:00 p.m. (PST)
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/events/1102023893171939.
San Jose, California
Saturday 6th February, 2016
6:00p.m. – 8:00p.m.
School of Arts and Culture, Mexican Heritage Plaza
1600 Alum Rock Ave.
San Jose, CA 95116
For more information, contact Donna Wallach: FreedomNow4LeonardPeltier@gmail.com; (h) 408-557-8824 or (cell) 408-569-6608.
For other events, visit: http://www.whoisleonardpeltier.info/events/events-2016-internatl-day-of-solidarity-with-leonard-peltier/.
2 Responses to “Activists Mark Leonard Peltier’s 40th Year of Incarceration”
Great to hear Sonali Kolhatkar cover Leonard Peltier’s story. Need to hear more on Native American resistance such as the ‘Idle no more’ movement and the work of Winona La Duke.
Please stand by Leonard Peltier – 40 years too much – don’t forget his daily struggle, when you put on the next show, folks! – And thanks a lot that you dare & care (y)