I write to urge you to consider executive clemency for Leonard Peltier. You have appreciated, more than any President in recent memory, the tumultuous history of Native American tribes, and the tragic events derived from that history. Mr. Peltier has been in prison for 41 years, for a tragic event that took place during troubled times. He is in ill health; requires urgent, specialized medical treatment; and just lost his youngest son. Continued incarceration serves no purpose.
— Dave Archambault, Tribal Chairman of the Standing Rock Sioux, in December 23 letter to Barack Obama
I watch the events at Standing Rock with both pride and sorrow. Pride that our people and their allies are standing up and putting their lives on the line for the coming generations, not because they want to, but because they have to. They are right to stand up in a peaceful way. It is the greatest gathering of our people in history and has made us more connected than ever before. We need to support each other as we make our way in these times. And I feel sorrow for the water protectors at Standing Rock because these last few days have brought a much harsher response from the law enforcement agencies there and our people are suffering.
— Day of Mourning Statement by Leonard Peltier: The Standing Rock People are My People
Possibly, probably, Leonard Peltier’s last hope to avoid dying in prison lies with Barack Obama. Obama must grant clemency to him before Trump is sworn in! Please…