Russell Speaks at Peltier Rally

Dozens rally for Peltier

Sign the petition “Obama Free Leonard Peltier!”

Dave Olson, The Forum
Published Saturday, November 29, 2008

Watch the video

Dozens of people gathered in front of the federal courthouse in downtown Fargo on Friday morning to show support for efforts to free Leonard Peltier from prison.Carrying signs that read, “Don’t let Leonard die in prison,” and “Peltier is innocent, FBI is guilty,” the group heard from Peltier’s sister, Betty Ann Peltier-Solano, who read a letter from her brother.“My time of freedom is near,” said Peltier-Solano, quoting her brother, who has been behind bars for more than 30 years, convicted of killing two FBI agents during a shootout on the Pine Ridge Indian Reservation in South Dakota.

Russell Means talks Friday at a rally for Leonard Peltier. Photos by Dave Wallis / The Forum

Well-known American Indian activist Russell Means also spoke at the rally, stating Peltier was wrongly convicted at his trial, which was held in Fargo.

“This is not a nation of laws. This is a nation of outlaws,” Means said, referring to government officials he blames for Peltier’s imprisonment.

Means urged the public to pressure federal officials to free Peltier early next year when, according to Means, Peltier should be eligible for release. Means said he recently spoke to Peltier by phone.

“You can tell how lonesome he is. He didn’t want to get off the phone. It teared me up,” said Means.

The 64-year-old Peltier is serving two life sentences for the deaths of FBI agents Ronald Williams and Jack Coler, who were shot in the head after being wounded in the 1975 shootout at Pine Ridge.

Peltier supporters say he was denied a fair trial, in part because critical evidence was not allowed to be heard by the jury.

When there was talk President Bill Clinton might pardon Peltier, former South Dakota Gov. Bill Janklow advised against it, calling Peltier a cold-blooded murderer.

The U.S. Attorney for North Dakota, Drew Wrigley, who fought against one of Peltier’s failed appeals, has said Peltier should be in prison for the rest of his natural life.

Among those attending Friday’s rally was Wade Hannon of Moorhead.

“I’m here because our government has falsely imprisoned Mr. Peltier for 33 years now,” said Hannon.

“I’m sick and tired of politicians who talk out of both sides of their mouth and act like they care about natives, but when the rubber hits the road, they could not care less,” he added.

Peltier-Solano said one purpose of Friday’s rally was to highlight efforts to revive organized support for her brother’s cause through an organization renamed the Leonard Peltier Defense Offense Committee.

Quoting her brother’s letter, Peltier-Solano told the crowd that the case showed the power of the government to subvert justice for its own purposes.

“If it wasn’t me, it could be any one of you,” she said, quoting her brother.

Readers can reach Forum reporter

Dave Olson at (701) 241-5555 M Supporters of man convicted in the deaths of two FBI agents hope to keep attention on case.

By Dave Olson

dolson@forumcomm.com

Expression of Gratitude

Update on Disaster Declaration

Three elders all found safe:

1. Sofia Romero, age 98
2. Emme Zimiga, age 96
3. Amanda Milk, age 80’s

Expressions of gratitude to:

The Student Anthropology Department of the University of Wyoming for their truckload of relief supplies which included many articles of warm winter clothes, several hundred pounds of food, a propane tank and heater.

• George Arculeta of One Nation Walking Together (www.onenationwt.org) for bringing in two trailers of firewood and supplies to Wambli and to Marion White Mouse and other residents who helped to distribute the goods door-to-door.
• Financial assistance from donors in many nations, proceeds of which will be used to provide propane during the winter months.

Electrical Status:

• On November 19, the 14th day since the storm, Wayne Sterkel of LaCreek Electric reports that all residential power will be restored either by the end of the day of the 19th or the 20th at the latest. By last count, he is reporting over 1600 power distribution poles have been replaced.

Areas Still in Need of Relief:

• Town of Allen
• Oglala
• Red Shirt Village
• Lost Dog Community
• Potato Creek

Propane Relief Fund:

• Each year we have deaths on the Reservation due to lack of propane for heat.
• Republic of Lakotah Emergency Propane for the Elderly can be purchased directly from Lakotah Plains Propane via Mastercard/Visa at: 605-867-5199 . Via mail to P.O. Box 1994, Pine Ridge, SD 57770

How to Send Relief Aid

1. NEW Clothing can be sent to:

(recent shipments of clothing included many mismatched gloves and boots, used pantyhose, etc. We recommend that new clothes be purchased at outlet and discount stores.)

2. Food Donations:

Since diabetes is already and epidemic on the Reservation, we recommend that you send hi-protein food such as beans, brown rice, canned meats and other foods high in protein and vitamins.

Relief
T.R.E.A.T.Y. SCHOOL, a 501(C)(3) Tax Exempt Organization
P.O. BOX 99
444 Crazy Horse Drive
Porcupine, SD 57772

2. Republic of Lakotah Emergency Propane for the Elderly:

can be purchased directly from Lakotah Plains Propane via Mastercard/Visa at: 605-867-5199 . Via mail to P.O. Box 1994, Pine Ridge, SD 57770

3. Send Contributions of Relief Aide to T.R.E.A.T.Y. Total Immersion School

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