A Native American rights activist and imprisoned for the murder of two FBI agents, known for his controversial conviction and ongoing campaigns for his release.
Leonard Peltier, a Native American activist and member of the American Indian Movement (AIM), is best known for his controversial conviction of two counts of first-degree murder in the deaths of two Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI) agents in a 1975 shooting on the Pine Ridge Indian Reservation in South Dakota.
Imprisoned since 1976, Peltier's case has sparked widespread debate, with many human rights organizations and prominent figures, including Nelson Mandela, Mother Teresa, and the 14th Dalai Lama, calling for his clemency.
Born on September 12, 1944, at the Turtle Mountain Indian Reservation, Peltier is of Lakota, Dakota, and Anishinaabe descent. He was raised among the Turtle Mountain Chippewa and Fort Totten Sioux Nations of North Dakota.
In the early 1970s, Peltier became an active member of the AIM, an Indigenous rights advocacy group that worked to combat the racism and police brutality experienced by Native Americans. On June 26, 1975, a shootout occurred on the Pine Ridge Indian Reservation, resulting in the deaths of two FBI agents.
In his 1999 memoir, Prison Writings: My Life Is My Sun Dance, Peltier admitted to participating in the shootout but denied killing the FBI agents. Despite this, he was convicted of the murders and sentenced to two consecutive terms of life imprisonment.
Throughout his imprisonment, Peltier has been the subject of numerous campaigns for clemency, with many arguing that his conviction was based on questionable evidence and prosecutorial misconduct.
In addition to his advocacy work, Peltier has also pursued political ambitions. In 2004, he ran for president of the United States, winning the nomination of the Peace and Freedom Party. In 2020, he ran for vice president on the Party for Socialism and Liberation ticket, although he later withdrew due to health reasons.
Despite his controversial conviction, Peltier's legacy as a Native American activist and advocate for Indigenous rights remains uncontested. His case has brought attention to the struggles faced by Native American communities and has inspired a new generation of activists and advocates.
As of 2022, Peltier remains incarcerated at the United States Penitentiary, Coleman, in Florida. His story serves as a testament to the ongoing struggles for justice and equality faced by Native American communities.
Peltier's work and activism are deeply rooted in his Indigenous heritage and his commitment to fighting for the rights and dignity of Native American communities.
Throughout his life, Peltier has emphasized the importance of respecting and honoring the land, culture, and traditions of Indigenous peoples. His legacy serves as a testament to the power of activism and advocacy in the pursuit of justice and equality.
89 Years Old
A Native American author and activist who co-founded the American Indian Movement, advocating for indigenous rights and self-determination through writing and protest.
86 Years Old
A Native American rights activist, actor, and musician who fought for indigenous rights and appeared in films like "The Last of the Mohicans" and "Natural Born Killers".
80 Years Old
A Native American poet, actor, and musician who used his words to advocate for Indigenous rights and challenge the status quo. His powerful spoken word performances and activism inspired a generation of Native American artists and social justice advocates.
80 Years Old
First female principal chief of the Cherokee Nation, leading her people through significant economic and infrastructure development, and advocating for tribal sovereignty and women's rights.
78 Years Old
A controversial Native American rights activist and author who sparked debate with his writings on American history and politics, particularly his essay on 9/11.
