Court Hearing on Sept 8, 2006 in Minneapolis Minnesota

PRESS RELEASE
On September 8, 2006 at 9:30 a.m., Barry A. Bachrach, Esq. and Michael Kuzma, Esq. will be arguing before United States Magistrate Judge Susan R. Nelson for the full release of all FBI files maintained by the Minneapolis Field Office relating to Leonard Peltier and RESMURS. The FBI reviewed 77,149 pages and released 66,594 pages in full or in part, however, 10,555 pages were withheld in their entirety.
Of utmost significance is that Mr. Peltier seeks release of documents relating to informants, particularly with respect to the extent the Federal Bureau of Investigation paid informants to infiltrate Mr. Peltier’s defense team. Mr. Peltier’s legal team just discovered evidence establishing that Douglas Durham, who was a confidential source paid by the FBI to infiltrate the highest levels of the American Indian Movement and who was exposed on March 7, 1975, spoke with, and provided information to, William Halprin, the Chief Prosecutor from Canada against Mr. Peltier in connection with the extradition proceedings. Halprin requested Durham’s involvement “to enable him to utilize source [Durham] to refute statements made by Peltier’s defense.” The FBI instructed Durham “to provide information requested by Crown Attorney [and] …. If recontacted by Halprin, he would cooperate fully and would keep Omaha advised of developments.”
Knowing full well the impact such revelations would have on Mr. Peltier’s case, the government is fighting vigorously to prevent these documents, that date back over 30 years, from being publicly released. Among other things, the FBI claims that the release of this information would harm national security and reveal the identities of confidential sources. Mr. Peltier’s lawyers have argued that these are nothing more than pretexts to prevent the release of further evidence of the continuing violation of Mr. Peltier’s constitutional rights and further drives home the fact that Mr. Peltier never received a fair trial.
The hearing is open to the public.
Place: U. S. Courthouse, 300 South Fourth Street, Courtroom 9E, Minneapolis
Date: September 8, 2006
Time: 9:30 a.m.

For further information contact the Leonard Peltier Defense Committee: (915) 533-6655 www.leonardpeltier.net

Leonard Peltier Defense Team

Leonard Peltier Defense Committee

UPDATE ON SEPTEMBER 12, 2006 ACTIVITIES

TO: Leonard Peltier Supporters
From: Leonard Peltier Defense Committee
Subject: Update on September 12, 2006 Activities

September 12, is Leonard Peltier’s Birthday! Supporters nationwide and internationally are “gathering in unity and solidarity” for Leonard Peltier and letting others know about the injustices Leonard has endured which have resulted in over 30 years of illegal incarceration!

What are you going to do on September 12, 2006?

The LPDC will be sending announcements with updates on events, rallies, activities, and information on Leonard Peltier and ask that you contact us and let us know your plans, ideas, and Support for Leonard Peltier! JOIN US! People across the world are joining in unity and solidarity for Leonard Peltier. Please visit our website for daily updates to see the upcoming events you can join in your area.

Events:
Colorado:

I will be doing a Sweet grass braiding for Leonard "Braiding for Freedom", which will be here at my house in Evergreen Colorado. People can contact me via email@ rockartist@earthlink.net I also will send Braids out from the Braiding for anyone who wishes them. I hope everyone will talk about Leonard and inform people who are still unaware. Until freedom is won....
In peace
Keith

Ohio:
We will send Leonard a card, as well as posting blogs about him and his battle for freedom! There is also a Pow Wow in Loudonville from September 15-17 and we will remind everyone there about Leonard Peltier and encourage them to do what they can to help gain his freedom!
Walk in Peace,
Linda

California:
The LPSG-South Bay is going to have an event for Leonard on September 8th Friday night at the following location:
Center for Training and Careers
1600 Las Plumas Ave San Jose, Ca. 95133 7-10pm Friday night Opening Prayer by Hank Lebeau (Lakota) Freedom-Sung by Sampson for Leonard Music by Good Shield, 7th Generation Rise Food Presentation by BFC Birthday Cake for Leonard and Birthday card signing

Please click on the following address and see what others are doing for Leonard on Sept 12, 2006:
http://www.leonardpeltier.net/worldevents/bday.htm

We look forward to hearing from you!

Please contact us at info@leonardpeltier.net

or Office phone: 915- 533-6655

Thank you!

Leonard Peltier Defense Committee

PELTIER PAINTINGS AT ALDRICH MUSEUM

Peltier Paintings at Aldrich Museum

Paintings by Native American activist Leonard Peltier go on view at the Aldrich Contemporary Art Museum, in Ridgefield, Conn., August 25, 2006 - Feb 25, 2007.
Peltier who is considered a political prisoner by Amnesty International is a self taught artist. His works are featured in the, "The Tate Wikikuwa Museum," a traveling installation of 8 paintings plus a timeline of his incarceration and a miniature prison- like space. ( Tate Wikikuwa is Peltier's Native American name and means " The Wind Chases the Sun") The show designed to draw attention to Peltier's case is organized by San-Francisco-based artist Rigo23. The installation has already appeared at the Museum of Contemporary Art in Santiago and the De Young Museum in San Francisco. It appears at the Aldrich Museum in conjunction with the exhibit, " No Reservations: Native American History and Culture in Contemporary Art," August 23, 2006 - Feb. 25, 2007.

Please Click here for photos of "Tate Wikikuwa Museum" Photographs:


http://www.leonardpeltier.net/worldevents/museum.htm

Leonard Peltier Defense Committee
Robert Robideau- Co- Director
Toni Zeidan - Co-Director

UPDATE ON SEPTEMBER 12, 2006 ACTIVITIES

To: Leonard Peltier Supporters
From: Leonard Peltier Defense Committee
Subject: Update on September 12, 2006 Activities

What are you doing on September 12, 2006?



We, at the Leonard Peltier Defense Committee ask you to join us on Sept 12, 2006!

September 12, is Leonard Peltier’s Birthday! Supporters nationwide and internationally are “gathering in unity and solidarity” for Leonard Peltier and letting others know about the injustices Leonard has endured which have resulted in over 30 years of illegal incarceration!

What are you going to do on September 12, 2006?
The LPDC will be sending announcements with updates on events, rallies, activities, and information on Leonard Peltier and ask that you contact us and let us know your plans, ideas, and Support for Leonard Peltier! JOIN US!

People across the world are joining in unity and solidarity for Leonard Peltier. Please visit our website for daily updates to see the upcoming events you can join in your area.
Events:
Australia:
Perth, in West Australia (or as I call it - West Ourstralia)
On Sept 7, 2006 I am organizing an Indigenous Poetry night and will read "My Life is My Sundance." to open the night.
Cheers
John

England:
There will be a gathering between 12.30 pm and 1.30pm at the Peltier Tribute Statue in Toxteth Liverpool to remember Leonard’s birthday! The weekend of the 28th of Aug is the Annual Beatles Festival, here in the pool, I will be putting flyers up about Leonard at all the Beatles attractions
Take care
Love& Peace
Gerry

Montana:
The North Central Montana American Indian Movement will be hosting their annual Leonard Peltier Birthday get-together Tues. Sept. 12th at the community chat program www.paltalk.com This is a free download site. Sept 13th, we will be doing his birthday special from 5-7 pm on KNMC 90.1 FM havre,Montana The call -in number is 406-265-3709, feel free to call in and express your support for Leonard.We do tape our shows and re-play them at pal talk upon request. You'll find the chatroom under the music forum Titled "United Native America"
Mitakuye Oyasin.
In the Spirit of Crazy Horse, Russell Houle NCMA aimprez59521@yahoo.com

Please click on the following address and see what others are doing for Leonard on Sept 12, 2006: http://www.leonardpeltier.net/worldevents/bday.htm

We look forward to hearing from you! Please contact us at info@leonardpeltier.net
or Office phone: 915- 533-6655
Leonard Peltier Defense Committee

Leonard Peltier's Commemoration Statement for Ireland Hunger Strike, of 1981

Again I must say ‘my relatives’ because we are all related in one way or another by natural design of the Creator and by our common concerns for the earth and freedom. I have to acknowledge that another year has passed since my illegal imprisonment; thirty years have gone by while I remain illegally incarcerated.

It seems that this year is one for reflection. Relatives from struggles around the world are stopping to reflect on the lives of friends, comrades, and loved ones who are now gone. During the past thirty years I have seen many people leave my life and journey to the spirit world. I have learned from the many people that have come into my life the true meaning of friendship and solidarity. With that, I must salute and address my friends, brothers and comrades in Ireland. I especially want to express my condolences to the families of the Hunger Strikers from a quarter-century ago. I want to send my warmest greetings to my friend Gerry Adams. I also want to salute each of my friends throughout Ireland that have supported me for so many years. I pray that you will continue to lend me your support and consider me your friend.

At this time, my friends and relatives in Ireland are suffering loss, but also celebrating the memories of those from their communities who have now gone to the spirit world. Twenty five years ago you lost ten young men in the prime of their lives. Men who would have been starting families or graduating from university if they’d been born into a more just society suffered in the most inhumane way possible. When Bobby Sands died on May 5th, 1981, millions of people from around the world joined their voices together to condemn the British government that allowed him to parish. I joined my voice to theirs. I fasted in solidarity with the Hunger Strikers for forty days during that dreadful year. Fasting is something that I have done many times, when I was a free man, while participating in our sacred Sun Dance. The sufferings of our relations in Ireland are pains that we as Indian people know all too well. Our suffering, our fasting and our struggling links us together with a common bond. That is why I say to you, there in Ireland, you are my relatives. As your relative, let me join my thoughts, tears, and prayers with yours as you commemorate your fallen, especially those who died on Hunger Strike in 1981. My family and your families, my pain and your pains, my peoples struggle and the struggles of your people are all connected… we truly are all related.
Thirty-one years ago the Lakota elders asked for help and protection from the GOON squad that was terrorizing the Lakota Nation. I, along with many others, responded to that call. I simply responded to a call to help others protect our lands, culture and traditions. I ask that you not loose focus on the real issue, which is that people suffering extreme hardships need not be. Even today we see children, women and elders being murdered in Pine Ridge and Belfast, on Big Mountain in Navajo country and in Basque country in Spain… and all in the name of justice. From Chiapas to El Salvador and all around this Mother Earth lands are being taken, cultures are being robbed of their languages, and the extermination of traditions are occurring on a daily basis.
I must share with you that, as the years have passed, every day I hear routinely the sounds of my cell door opening in the morning and closing at night. Yet, I have not forgotten what I was asked to do when I was asked to respond to the call our Elders sent- a cry for help. Now I once again must call on you for your help. I ask you to join your voices and efforts with mine. A young Cheyenne man by the name of Dave Bailey is our Leonard Peltier Defense Committee representative for Ireland and England. I ask that you help him in his efforts to highlight my case, and search for solutions in that part of the world that will eventually mean I never again have to hear the sounds of cell doors opening and closing. I ask you to do all you can to support his efforts, my efforts, and the efforts of all Indian people. I humbly thank you for the warmth, hospitality, and support that you have shown our people over the years when they have come into your community. As you commemorate your fallen and your dead, remember that our suffering is linked to yours. We mourn with you and pray for you… as relatives.

Mitakuye Oyasin (We are all related)

In the Spirit of Crazy Horse

Leonard Peltier

Leonard Peltier Defense Committee

HELP US FREE LEONARD PELTIER NOW!

To: Leonard Peltier Supporters
From: Leonard Peltier Defense Committee
Subject: Update on Sept 12, 2006 Activities

The Leonard Peltier Defense Committee and the New York City Leonard Peltier Support Group( NYCLPSG) will meet in Downtown Manhattan on September 12, 2006 to demand that the FBI release thousands of pages wrongfully withheld documents. What could they possibly have to hide? Why have some documents been kept secret for over 30 years? What could they be worried about? Why such a delay? The ' NYC field office file' is still MISSING after an alleged search by the FBI for over three and a half years!
Others are being withheld on national security grounds!

Help us FREE LEONARD PELTIER NOW!!!!

Demand that the FBI release wrongfully withheld documents!

JOIN US!
When: September 12, 2006
Where: 26 Federal Plaza Manhattan, New York
Time: 3pm- 6pm
Thank you,

Leonard Peltier Defense Committee
and New York City Leonard Peltier Support Group (NYCLPSG)

Please click here for flyer :

http://www.leonardpeltier.net/worldevents/newyorksept.htm

For additional information please contact the LPDC @ info@leonardpeltier.net

or office phone: 915 – 533-6655

Indigenous People and Conflict Resolution- UN Commission on Human Rights

Indigenous Peoples and Conflict Resolution – UN Commission on Human Rights

Please click here for photos of Bobby Castillo, International Spokesperson, Leonard Peltier Defense Committee at UN Commission on Human Rights:
July 31, 2006 - August 4, 2006 :

http://www.leonardpeltier.net/newspot/un2006.htm

COMMISSION ON HUMAN RIGHTS
Sub-Commission on the Promotion and Protection of Human Rights
Working Group on Indigenous Peoples
Twenty Third session
31July – 04 August 2006

Statement of Bobby Castillo International Spokesperson for
Leonard Peltier Defense Committee
Item 4

Review of developments pertaining to the promotion and protection of human rights and fundamental freedoms of indigenous peoples
(c) “Indigenous peoples and conflict resolution”

Mr. Chairperson,

On behalf of the Leonard Peltier Defense Committee, I would like to express our thoughts on the theme “Indigenous peoples and conflict resolution”.

On February 27, 1973, members of the American Indian Movement (AIM) began their seventy-two day occupation of the village of Wounded Knee on the Pine Ridge Lakota Reservation. Their goal was to protest injustices against their indigenous nations, violations of the many treaties, and current abuses and repression against their people. The U.S. government responded with a military style assault against the protesters.

Throughout the next three years, long referred to by local Indigenous Peoples and by the U.S. – Commission on Civil Rights, as the "Reign of Terror," the FBI carried out a Counterinsurgency war on the Pine Ridge Reservation. During this "Reign of Terror," some sixty-four local Native Americans were murdered. Virtually all of the victims were either affiliated with AIM or their allies from the Lakota Nation. The FBI had jurisdiction to investigate major crimes, yet these deaths were never adequately investigated nor resolved.

The strife between the FBI and AIM culminated in a shootout on June 26, 1975 in Oglala. When the shootout ended, AIM member Joseph Killsright Stuntz lay dead, shot in the head by a U.S. Government sniper. His death has also never been investigated. Two FBI agents also found death that day. As you well know, Mr. Chair, these events led to the wrongful incarceration of Leonard Peltier.

After more than 30 years, the U.S. Government still won’t recognize nor correct the wrongs of the past. Therefore, again this year, the Lakota people of Oglala organized another Commemoration last June 26th under the theme “Let the Great Healing Begin” to remember the people who died during the Reign of Terror and to call for the release of Leonard Peltier. The community uses traditional ways such as prayers, ceremonies and conferences with youth and elders to heal the sacred hoop. Truth, justice and reconciliation are needed between Indigenous Peoples and States around the world.

We should all together be able to heal the transgressions of the past and to find a way to put an end to the injustices historically perpetrated on Indigenous peoples. We feel that wounds and scars of our peoples will heal one day. We are led to believe that most issues in our struggle to survive encourage forms of alternative justice and traditional, as well as contemporary ways of conflict resolution.

Mr. Chairperson, as it is mentioned on last years’ report (E/CN.4/sub.2/2004) paragraph 40 : “Serious consideration should be given to arbitration as a means of conflict resolutions”. Therefore our organization would like to renew our call for the creation of an international mechanism with the mandate to act as an impartial third parties to help establish dialogue between States and Indigenous peoples for peaceful resolution. This mechanism would have been very important this year during several conflicts involving indigenous peoples (in Osweken / Six Nations in Canada, in the community of Atenco or in Chiapas – Mexico, in indigenous lands in Colombia or in Kanaky). We would like also to have a thought for the beduin peoples and all civilians suffering in Palestine and Lebanon.

We need to find ways to help us survive these difficult times. Therefore we are grateful that this Working Group has initiated this very important debate on Indigenous peoples and conflict resolution. This shows the importance of the work of this Working Group because it give an opportunity to us indigenous peoples to present the development of our fundamental rights and to the United Nations to act at different level by standard setting and independent review. We hope that all together we will find solutions for a world of peace, justice and equitality.


Thank you, Mr. Chairperson.

Bobby Castillo, LPDC International Spokesperson
Leonard Peltier Defense Committee

Commission on Human Rights- Statement of Bobby Castillo LPDC International Spokesperson

COMMISSION ON HUMAN RIGHTS
Sub-Commission on the Promotion and Protection of Human Rights
Working Group on Indigenous Peoples
Twenty Third session
31July – 04 August 2006

Statement of Bobby Castillo Leonard Peltier Defense Committee
Item 4
Review of developments pertaining to the promotion and protection of human rights and fundamental freedoms of indigenous peoples
(b) Principle theme “Utilization of Indigenous Peoples’ Lands by Non-Indigenous Authorities, Groups or Individuals for Military Purpose”

Mr. Chairperson,

The last major campaigns by the U.S. Army against Indigenous People in North America took place in the late 1800s. But the military is still dangerous to Indigenous Peoples in the Western hemisphere today. A recent study contends the dramatic expansion of U.S. military bases during the 20th century was largely concentrated in the same remote, arid places where Indian reservations were located. That means Indigenous People’s could be disproportionately exposed to toxic chemicals and unexploded bombs, compared to non- Indigenous People’s , according to the report by Gregory Hooks of Washington State University. Two world wars and the Cold War "pushed the United States to produce, test and deploy weapons of unprecedented toxicity," the study said. "Native Americans have been left exposed to the dangers of this toxic legacy."

The Department of Defense has acknowledged the problems, quoting a 2001 department report that said Indian lands have "hazardous materials, unexploded ordnance (UXO), abandoned equipment, unsafe buildings, and debris." The government estimates that unexploded ordnance, which can include mines, nerve gases and explosive shells, probably contaminates 20 to 50 million acres of land in the United States and would take centuries to clean up at current rates.
By 1916, the U.S. Army owned about 1.5 million acres of land, and expanded dramatically during World War I. By 1940, the Army owned about 2 million acres of land. The huge buildup to World War II saw the Army acquire another 8 million acres. Most of those lands were in the vicinity or contiguous to Indian reservations. . Conventional weapons in World War II were far more lethal than weapons from previous wars, and the United States has led the world in the production of weapons of mass destruction, including nuclear, biological and chemical weapons.
Today there are plans for a Pentagon-led experiment that involves detonating 700 tons of explosives at the Nevada Test Site on Western Shoshone traditional land which is part of an effort to design a weapon that can penetrate solid rock formations in which a country might store nuclear weapons or other weapons of mass destruction.
The test will involve nearly 40 times the amount of commercial ammonium nitrate and fuel oil explosive set off in the largest open-air, non-nuclear blast at the site to date. In 2002, 18 tons of explosives were set off at the Nevada Test Site. The Western Shoshone sovereign nation has always condemned the use of their traditional lands for bomb testing. They consider such practices as a violation of their treaty rights.
The Leonard Peltier Defense Committee condemns also all military test on Indigenous lands or elsewhere which are especially being designed to kill our brothers and sisters in Iraq, Palestine and Lebanon today. Indigenous people traditional values consider that all life is sacred so we cannot support State governments who are using military forces to bring death and destruction.
To conclude, we fully support Professor Alfonso Martinez words on its working paper on “Indigenous peoples and conflict resolution”, stating “ This is a major source of conflict, which often results in either the forced eviction of indigenous peoples, or life-threatening circumstances connected with nearby warfare. The State’s power to `extinguish` aboriginal titles to lands on the basis of national security needs is often used to give license to armed forces to launch national defense projects on indigenous lands including the construction of military bases, testing grounds and territory for war games.”
No indigenous land should be used for military reason because this is against our values and traditions.
Thank you Mr. Chairperson,

Bobby Castillo
LPDC International Spokesperson

Leonard Peltier Defense Committee

Please click here for Photos:

http://www.leonardpeltier.net/newspot/un2006.htm

A Message from Leonard Peltier from the Leonard Peltier Defense Committee

Greeting my relatives,

And again I must say “my relatives” because we are all related in one way or another by natural design of the Creator or our common concerns for the Earth and freedom . I want to again thank all of you supporters for your continued efforts to right the wrongs that have befallen both my people and me.

I was looking through some of my stuff the other day and I came across a card that I had not finished writing in and had misplaced. It was a card to a friend in which I had written “always remember the Creator is with you even though you may not have noticed”. And I would like to impart that to you my relatives. I truly believe the Creator loves us and continues to provide for us but, we must also take responsibility upon ourselves to be part of that providing for ourselves, our children, our children’s children, and all future generations.

One of the things I would like to address, that I’ve read a lot about recently, is the high incidence of drugs on the reservation these days. Alcohol itself is a drug even though it is legal. But some of the new drugs combined with the alcohol, which is already bad, are becoming a major threat to the future of our people. I want to speak to the young men out there, or any of the men, reminding them that in order to be a warrior, or to have the connotation of a warrior, is not just about being a male, but being willing to take action against whatever enemy threatens our people. That action may be ceremonial, it may be fasting on some level, praying on some level, it may be a physical endeavor on some level. But it is our responsibility on every level.

In the 70’s, when I was free of this prison, there were in reality, only about 20-30 dedicated warriors throughout the United States who were full time and committed. Our principle statement to our people was sovereignty, unity, and brotherhood. Those were the seeds of concern that were sown. And today you see all across the world, native people standing up in some way for smoke shops, casinos, programs, and so forth as a result of a few dedicated people. So I have no doubt that the progress that was made by those people in the 70’s can be made again by the young people of today. Our personal reference points in life aren’t necessarily the same but our cultural, historical, and spiritual reference is.

I want to say again, we are of this part of Mother Earth. We are the First People. Let us not let them put us last.

That brings me to a statement that I once heard Buffy Saint Marie make. She said, “if you go to a restaurant and what you want isn’t on the menu, go to another restaurant. And if what you want isn’t on that menu, mix up a batch of your own and prepare to serve”. In quoting her, I would like to say, that as warriors, if we assess the situation correctly, and with a good heart, using the values the Great Spirit has given us, chose a path, others will follow.

Aho Mitakuye oyasin.

In the Spirit of Crazy Horse,
Leonard Peltier

Leonard Peltier Defense Committee

UPDATE ON SEPTEMBER 12, 2006 ACTIVITIES

What are you doing on September 12, 2006 ?

Hello Supporters,
We, at the Leonard Peltier Defense Committee ask you to join us on Sept 12, 2006!

September 12, is Leonard Peltier’s Birthday! Supporters nationwide and internationally are “gathering in unity and solidarity” for Leonard Peltier and letting others know about the injustices Leonard has endured which have resulted in over 30 years of illegal incarceration!

What are you going to do on September 12, 2006?

The LPDC will be sending out a daily announcement with updates on events, rallies, activities, and information on Leonard Peltier and ask that you contact us and let us know your plans, ideas, and Support for Leonard Peltier! JOIN US!


Please click on the following address and see what others are doing for Leonard on Sept 12, 2006:

http://www.leonardpeltier.net/worldevents/bday.htm

We look forward to hearing from you!
Please contact us at info@leonardpeltier.net

or Office phone: 915- 533-6655

Thank you!

Leonard Peltier Defense Committee