Oglala Commemoration 2007 Video Montage

Oglala 2007 Video Montage

On June 26th, the Oglala Commeration Committee held the 8th annual gathering in Oglala, South Dakota. June 26, 2007 marked the 31st anniversary of the shoot out at the Jumping Bull compound during the reign of terror 1973 - 1976. Tamra Brennan, of NDN news compiled the following video montage of the Oglala Commemoration. Thank you Tamra!

http://www.onetruemedia.com/shared?p=308175dae6eb5b8de7d02a
<http://www.onetruemedia.com/shared?p=308175dae6eb5b8de7d02a&skin_id=601&utm


Respectfully,
Leonard Peltier Defense Committee
Email: info@leonardpeltier.net
Website: http://www.leonardpeltier.net/

June 26, 2007 - Thirty-two years later.....

For the past thirty-two years supporters have gathered at Oglala to honor the lives that were lost on June 26, 1975 and the “reign of terror.” This year will be the eighth year that the Oglala Commemoration Committee has sponsored the gathering. For those of us that are unable to physically attend the gathering at Oglala, we each honor and remember this day in our own special way. Our thoughts and prayers are with the families of all the victims from the "reign of terror."

In Memory Of:

Frank Clearwater

Buddy LaMont

Sandra Wounded Foot

Leo Wilcox

Clarence Cross

Priscilla White Plume

Julius Bad Heart Bull

Melvin Spider

Philip Black Elk

Aloysius Long Soldier

Phillip Little Crow

Allison Fast Horse

Edward Means Jr.

Edward Standing Soldier

Roxeine Roark

Dennis Lecompte

Jackson Washington Cutt

Robert Reddy

Delphiene Crow Dog

Elaine Wagner

Floyd Bianas

Yvette Loraine Lone Hill

Leon L. Swift Bird

Martin Montileaux

Stacy Cortier

Edith Eagle Hawk

Jeanette Bissonette

Richard Eagle

Hilda R. Good Buffalo

Jancita Eagle Deer

Ben Sitting Up

Kenneth Little

Leah Spotted Elk

Joseph Stuntz

James Brings Yellow

Andrew Paul Stewart

Randy Hunter

Howard Blue Bird

Jim Little

Olivia Bianas

Janice Black Bear

Michelle Tobacco

Carl Plenty Arrows

Frank LaPointe

Anna Mae Pictou Aquash

Lydia Cut Grass

Byron Desersa

Lena R. Slow Bear

Hobart Horse

Cleveland Reddest

Betty Jo Dubray

Marvin Two Two

Julia Pretty Hips

Sam Afraid of Bear

Kevin Hill

Betty Means

Please click here for special tribute page:

://www.leonardpeltier.net/memoryrterror.htm

Statement from Leonard on 30th anniversary ~ June 26, 2005
“You will always be in my prayers. Do what you can, where you can, from where you stand and - to quote Sitting Bull - let's see what kind of nation we can make for our children. I don't say I love you easily but I want you to know that I love you - my heart is with you and never, never, never give up!”

Leonard Peltier

Respectfully,

Leonard Peltier Defense Committee

website: http://www.leonardpeltier.net/

email: info@leonardpeltier.net

UPDATE ON JUNE 26, 2007 EVENTS

London, England June 26, 2007
Leonard Peltier Vigil and Picnic
Native Nations Network (NNN)
271 The Westway, London, W12 7AW

email: treatyhouselondon@yahoo.co.uk
Leonard Peltier Defense Committee - email: info@leonardpeltier.net
Dear friends and affiliated members:
Once again we are planning to have a picnic and vigil for Leonard Peltier on June 26th in London. Please join us on this day to remember all those who died in the Pine Ridge reign of terror in the 1970s resulting in the continued imprisonment of Leonard Peltier and also to give support to the indigenous people of Turtle Island who are still being persecuted to this day.
WHERE:
We will gather in the area around the Fountain of Life adjacent to the Aldford Street North gate in Hyde Park and have an informal picnic and socialising. Please bring your own food and maybe some to share. We will then proceed to the American Embassy in Grosvenor Square for a vigil and the handing in of our petition and letter. If the weather is wet the gathering will be around the covered seating area adjacent to the Brook Street Gate.
WHEN:June 26th 2007.
TIME: The picnic will be from 12 noon until just before 2pm and then at the American Embassy from around 2:30pm onwards.
HOW TO GET THERE:The nearest underground station is Marble Arch (Central Line). Take one of the exits marked for Hyde Park or Park Lane, walk through Speakers Corner and continue down parallel with Park Lane. There are numerous buses that go to this area so just ask for Marble Arch, or Speakers Corner. The nearest parking is in the underground car park on Park Lane (clearly marked) or Pay and Display all around Grosvenor Square.We will need to notify the police of approximate numbers expected as we may require a police escort. This would give us a higher profile and possibly even media coverage; so could you let us know how many will be attending a.s.a.p.
Thank you.Looking forward to seeing you all there.
In Solidarity,
Native Nations Network
Leonard Peltier Defense Committee
LPDC website: http://www.leonardpeltier.net/
LPDC email: info@leonardpeltier.net


New York City, New York
Leonard Peltier NYC event,
Sponsored by the NYC LPSG and Leonard Peltier Defense Committee New York City, New York:
When: Monday, June 25, 2007
Film Screening- Murder on the Reservation
Time: 7:00pm
Location: IAC, 55 West 17th Street, 5th floorNew York City, New York

This film screening is a benefit for the New York City Leonard Peltier Support Group and the Leonard Peltier Defense Committee.
For more information, call Kate at 212-633-6646 or nyclpsg@yahoo.com and /or contact the Leonard Peltier Defense Committee @ info@leonardpeltier.net


Oglala, South Dakota
8th Annual Oglala Commemoration
LOCATION: Oglala, South Dakota
WHEN:June 26th, 2007
Join us in remembrance of our warriors, those who lost their lives during the reign of terror, and those who have crossed over since.
TIME:Beginning at Noon , at the Little Family Cemetery,Hwy 18, south of Oglala Memorial
We will walk two miles to the Jumping Bull property
Community Feast 3:00 pm
Location: Br. Rene Hall
OglalaYouth Awareness Concert-4:00 - 9:30 pm
Concert Features: Arrow Space, Spyderzback, Native Era, Julian B, JD Nash, Dale AlanGuest Speakers to be announced
http://www.oglalacommemoration/for more information
This is a free event to all family, friends and supporters of Leonard Peltier.Please bring school supply items for donation.
THANK YOU - Lisa Reinhold, Gina &Barry Landeros/Thomas,
Andy Mader, Wayquay, Galson Eagle Star, Roselyn Jumping Bull, &Fred Cedar Face

Respectfully,
Leonard Peltier Defense Committee
email: info@leonardpeltier.net

Philadelphia PA -
Benefit Event for Leonard Peltier Defense Committe, Sponsored by
LPSG/PA, Concerned Arts Coalition and Leonard Peltier Defense Committee

WHEN:June 26, 2007
TIME: 7:30 PM
LOCATION: American Friends Service Committee1501 Cherry St, Philadelphia, PA
Speakers, video, music, poetry
Honor the Earth, Defend the People,Free Leonard Peltier
-Co-sponsored byLeonard Peltier Defense Committee
http://www.leonardpeltier.net/ or info@leonardpeltier.net
Info: 215-843-8933mailto:215-843-8933phillylpsg@aol.com


San Jose, California
Leonard Peltier Event June 26, -San Jose CaliforniaSponsored by LPSG /South Bay Leonard Peltier Support Group /LPDC
When: Tuesday, June 26, 2007
Time: 7pm
Location: Pagesincolor.com Fair Trade Store Address: 888 East Santa Clara Street( near corner of 19th street & across from Roosevelt Park)San Jose, California
Program: Update from Leonard Peltier Defense Committee
Statement from Leonard Peltier
Movie: Incident of OglalaPot Luck Refreshments
Sponsored by Leonard Peltier Support Group/ LPSG SouthBay/LPDC

Washington DC-
A Morning with Michael Blake,
DATE: June 25, 2007
LOCATION: The Library of Congress, West Dining Room
ADDRESS: 101 Independence Ave S.E. Washington DC
TIME: 10 am-12 noon
Michael Blake, author of Dances with Wolves will read from his latest publication; Indian Yell, The Heart of an American Insurgency. Indian Yell is his first non-fiction work and reflects more than thirty years of study. Mr. Blake will also discuss Leonard Peltier and considers Leonard Peltier’s incarceration consistent with the lawless treatment of his antecedents. Like Santanta and Spotted Tail before him, Peltier sits in a cell by virtue of resistance, not proven guilty.
“ Wrongfully convicted of murder, Leonard Peltier stands today for Indian people in America as a symbol of the traditional values long discarded by the ‘civilized’ world in its scramble for wealth. Adherence to these values has been the key to his survival through thirty years of slavery behind bars” – Michael Blake, author Indian Yell

Respectfully,
Leonard Peltier Defense Committee

Leonard Peltier Event- Wicklow, Ireland June 23, 2007

Date: June 23, 2007
Location: Eco Shop in Glen Downs, Co – Wicklow, Ireland
Time 11-6pm
Sponsored by, Dave Bailey, Representative for Leonard Peltier Defense Committee in Ireland and England.

Saturday, June 23rd Dave Bailey (Northern Cheyenne)- AIM member and representative for the Leonard Peltier Defense Committee in Ireland and England- will be appearing at the Eco Shop in Glen of the Downs, Co. Wicklow, Ireland

Website for Eco Shop: http://www.ecoshop.ie/

Mr. Bailey will be on-hand from 11-6 to show the acclaimed documentary "Incident at Oglala," produced and narrarated by Robert Redford/ directed by Michael Apted. Following the film presentation, Mr. Bailey will be speaking to inform those in attendance of the current state of affairs for Mr. Peltier (Lakota/ Anishnabe). Throughout the day, workshops will be held for those interested in supporting Mr. Peltier in his executive clemency campaign.

In Solidarity,
Leonard Peltier Defense Committee
Contact information:
Dave Bailey LPDC representative for LPDC in Ireland and England
Email: natsitsa@yahoo.com
Leonard Peltier Defense Committee
Email: info@leonardpeltier.net
Website: http://www.leonardpeltier.net/

POLITICAL PRISONER, LEONARD PELTIER SEEKS NAEG'S ASSISTANCE TO HELP HIS PEOPLE

FOREST HILLS, N.Y., June 13, 2007 /PRNewswire-FirstCall via COMTEX/ --
Native American Energy Group, Inc. (the "Company," or "NAEG") (Pink Sheets: NVMG), an independent, energy resource development and management company, wishes at this time to publicly acknowledge the plight of Native American Activist and political prisoner, Leonard Peltier, and expresses much gratitude to him for his letter to the Company, pledging his support, and that of his supporters & followers for NAEG’s “Tribal Empowerment Program”. Native American Energy Group is pursuing economic improvement, resource development, and energy independence for the Oglala Lakota Nation in the State of S. Dakota through its urban & economic development projects under this program.

Native American Energy Group and its Energy Partners are obviously sensitive to the needs of the Native Americans. NAEG is currently working out a viable & financially sound joint-venture arrangement for the Oglala Lakota Sioux Tribe in South Dakota in order to effectuate a reversal to the overwhelming poverty affecting that community. It will do so through exclusive development of the vast amount of energy resources on the land. It was Leonard Peltier who enlisted NAEG’s help for this development on the Pine Ridge Indian Reservation because he cares deeply and took a vow for his people.

Leonard Peltier stated that, “The poverty level is so rampant, so bad, that even someone such as myself, who has grown up in it, my conscience is shocked to the core that such poverty exists in a country that claims the title of wealthiest in the world. Over the past hundred years, figures were released that 292.2 billion tons of gold was mined out of the Black Hills by encroaching settlers and taken from the Lakota Nation. Where does one even begin to do the math to estimate just how much money they have stolen from my people without compensation? I contacted you (NAEG) personally because I was able to see that your track record of helping Native Americans is genuine.”

There is a huge movement to free Leonard Peltier who has been unjustly imprisoned since 1976. Current and past supporters of clemency for Indigenous political prisoner, Leonard Peltier include the Dalai Lama, Nelson Mandela, the late Mother Teresa, Archbishop Desmond Tutu, Robert Redford, Oliver Stone, Coretta Scott King, David Geffin, Steven Spielberg, Amnesty International and many international governments.

A more extensive list of supporters can be seen at the following link:
http://users.skynet.be/kola/index1.htm

President & CEO of Native American Energy Group, Joseph D'Arrigo stated, “If it wasn’t for Leonard Peltier’s efforts to get the Oglala Lakota Sioux Tribe and NAEG together we might have overlooked a huge opportunity for both parties. We have already initiated a plan to effectively address the overwhelming need for housing. It is estimated that the Oglala Lakota Sioux Tribe needs at least 4000 new homes simply to meet current demands. Our plan to construct safe, decent, affordable, energy-efficient homes on the reservation is only the first step in a massive effort to stimulate economic independence for the tribe.” CFO, Raj Nanvaan added, “We are pleased that Leonard has chosen NAEG as the avenue to direct his energies and those of his supporters on behalf of the humanitarian interests of his people. He continues to speak, write, and organize in order to keep Indigenous issues alive; although he, himself, unfortunately must do so from prison.”

Joseph D'Arrigo and Raj Nanvaan are among those seeking justice for the former activist in the American Indian Movement. “Leonard Peltier should never have been imprisoned in my opinion, “ said D'Arrigo, “ and furthermore; these injustices that have been perpetuated against Peltier by the criminal justice system for all these years are not something that should be dismissed by mainstream America. The information I have read states that, ‘Leonard Peltier was extradited from Canada on a perjured affidavit. Peltier faced coerced witnesses and fabricated evidence, while being denied access to evidence that could aid in his defense. Put on trial in a region known to be hostile to Native-Americans, he was convicted and has been imprisoned ever since.’ “Where are the so-called protections of the civilian criminal justice system that this man should have to remain in prison? Leonard Peltier has been a defender of his homeland against aggressors and encroachers while protesting injustices against his tribe. That does not make him a murderer. He is also a man who has, and continues to this day to support sovereignty, human rights, dignity and cultural preservation. The evidence I have seen points to his having been unjustly incarcerated for his political beliefs.”

Leonard Peltier has stated, “The government, under the pretext of security and progress, liberated us from our land, resources, culture, dignity and future. They violated every treaty they ever made with us…” “I am an innocent man.”

About Leonard Peltier:
http://www.leonardpeltier.net/

The Case of Leonard Peltier:
http://wwwleonardpeltier.net/
http://www.freepeltier.org/peltier_faq.htm#top
http://users.skynet.be/kola/index1.htm

Joseph D'Arrigo President & CEONative American Energy Group, Inc.
NAEG's previous achievements can be accessed on the Investor Relations page below:
http://www.nativeamericanenergy.com/investorrelations.htm

Native American Energy Group (NAEG) is a publicly traded, independent, oil & gas company that has evolved into an energy resource development and management company for America's tribal nations. Based in New York and trading under the symbol NVMG, the Company specializes in the development of mineral resources & renewable energy systems in Indian Country thereby stimulating tribal communities and creating economic development.

CONTACT: Richard Ross, Dir. Investor RelationsNative American Energy Group, Inc.
(800) 780-8076mailto:780-8076ir@nativeamericanenergy.com

Leonard Peltier Defense Committee &International Peltier Forum
3800 N. Mesa A2 El Paso, Texas 79902
Email: info@leonardpeltier.net
Website: http://www.leonardpeltier.net/
International Peltier Forum
http://users.skynet.be/kola/index1.htm


Safe Harbor Statement: This News Release may include forward-looking statements within the meaning of section 27A of the United States Securities Act of 1933, as amended, and section 21E of the United States Securities & Exchange Act of 1934, as amended, with respect to corporate objectives, projections, estimates, operations, acquisition and development of various interests and certain other matters. These statements are made under the "Safe Harbor" provisions of the United States Private Securities Litigation Reform Act of 1995 and involve risks and uncertainties which could cause actual results to differ materially from those in the forward-looking statements contained herein.

Leonard Peltier NYC Event - June 25, 2007

Leonard Peltier NYC event, Sponsored by the NYC LPSG and Leonard Peltier Defense Committee

Monday, June 25, 2007
Film Screening- Murder on the Reservation

7:00pm

IAC, 55 West 17th Street, 5th floor
New York City, New York

Murder on a Reservation is about the controversial case of Native-American activist Leonard Peltier, who is serving consecutive life sentences for the murder of two FBI agents in 1975 at the Pine Ridge Indian Reservation near Oglala, South Dakota. Peltier's supporters say he's innocent and was railroaded by an FBI that was desperate to put someone behind bars for the murder of its agents. Peltier, FBI representatives, and witnesses to the incident that led to the agents' death, tell their stories.

June 26th is the anniversary of that day in 1975 when a full-scale invasion of the Pine Ridge reservation was carried out, resulting in a firefight.When the smoke cleared, two FBI agents were dead, along with a young native man named Joseph Killsright Stuntz. Leonard Peltier was framed for the death of the two FBI agents, but nobody was ever convicted of the murder of Joe Stuntz.

This film screening is a benefit for the New York City Leonard Peltier Support Group and the Leonard Peltier Defense Committee.

FREE LEONARD PELTIER AND ALL POLITICAL PRISONERS!

FREE THE LAND!

For more information, call Kate at 212-633-6646 or nyclpsg@yahoo.com
And or contact the Leonard Peltier Defense Committee @ info@leonardpeltier.net

Respectfully,
Leonard Peltier Defense Committee and NYCLPSG group
LPDC
3800 N. Mesa A2
El Paso, Texas 79902
Email: info@leonardpeltier.net
Website: http://www.leonardpeltier.net/

Leonard Peltier Event, June 26 2007- San Jose California

Leonard Peltier Event June 26, -San Jose California
Sponsored by LPSG /South Bay Leonard Peltier Support Group /LPDC

When: Tuesday, June 26, 2007
Time: 7pm
Location: Pagesincolor.com Fair Trade Store
Address: 888 East Santa Clara Street
( near corner of 19th street & across from Roosevelt Park)
San Jose, California


Program:
Update from Leonard Peltier Defense Committee
Statement from Leonard Peltier
Movie: Incident of Oglala
Pot Luck Refreshments

Sponsored by Leonard Peltier Support Group/ LPSG SouthBay/LPDC


Contact information:
Donna Phone: 408 293 4774
Email: dbwall@earth.inc.net
Leonard Peltier Defense Committee-
Email: info@leonardpeltier.net


Please click here for PDF flyer:
http://leonardpeltier.net/documents/26June2007.pdf


Respectfully,
Leonard Peltier Defense Committee
3800 N. Mesa #A2
El Paso, Texas 79902

Leonard Peltier Legal Update - June 2007 -U.S. Court of Appeals for the Eighth Circuit

A Message from the Leonard Peltier Legal Team:

On June 8, 2007, we filed with the U.S. Court of Appeals for the Eighth Circuit an appellate brief asking the Court to review and release some 11,000 pages of documents related to the investigation and prosecution of Leonard Peltier. The FBI continues to withhold those documents, claiming that their release would violate promises of confidentiality made to informants and would, incredibly, endanger the national security of the United States. In our brief, we argue that the FBI's promises to its informants expired long ago, and were waived when those informants testified publicly. We also assert that the virtually unprecedented public interest in the case of Leonard Peltier warrants careful judicial review of the withheld documents. In addition, we demonstrate that the FBI's historic misconduct in this case, coupled with its continued misrepresentations about Peltier's case, shows sufficient bad faith to require the most searching inquiry into any claims of privilege.

Leonard Peltier Legal Team
Ron Kuby and David Pressman

A Message from the Leonard Peltier Defense Committee:

In the history of the American criminal justice system, there are few cases that have attracted as much attention, uncovered as much abuse of power, or raised as many questions amongst citizens of this country and abroad, as the prosecution, conviction, and imprisonment of Leonard Peltier. Leonard Peltier has been wrongfully incarcerated for over thirty years. Public concern and moral outrage over the pattern of misconduct that led to Peltier’s conviction persists.

On June 8, 2007 attorneys for Leonard Peltier, Ron Kuby and David Pressman have filed the following brief with the United States Court of Appeals for the Eighth Circuit. This action, pursuant to the Freedom of Information Act (FOIA), is designed to answer fundamental questions and address widespread public concern about the Federal Bureau of Investigation’s conduct in Peltier’s case.

Please click here for copy of appellate brief for the US Court of Appeals for the Eight Circuit ( filed June 8, 2007) :

http://leonardpeltier.net/documents/Brief5.pdf


Respectfully,
Leonard Peltier Defense Committee & International Peltier Forum

LPDC Website: www.leonardpeltier.net

LPDC Email: info@leonardpeltier.net

LPDC Address: 3800 N. Mesa #A2 El Paso Texas 79902

IPF WEBSITE http://users.skynet.be/kola/index.htm

and http://www.myspace.com/leonardpeltierisinnocent

e-mail IPF:ipforum@skynet.be

Thank you to Robert Robideau

On behalf of Leonard Peltier and the Leonard Peltier Defense Committee we would like to express our appreciation to Robert Robideau for
his work with the Leonard Peltier Defense Committee and his commitment towards Leonard Peltiers’ freedom.

We wish, Robert Robideau the very best in his future endeavors.

Thank you,

Leonard Peltier

Leonard Peltier Defense Committee
Website: http://www.leonardpeltier.net/
Email: info@leonardpeltier.net
LPDC address: 3800 N. Mesa
# A2
El Paso, Texas 79902

Update on 8th Annual Oglala Commemoration, June 26, 2007

8th Annual Oglala Commemoration
Oglala, South Dakota
June 26th, 2007

Join us in remembrance of our warriors, those who lost their lives during the reign of terror, and those who have crossed over since.

Beginning at Noon , at the Little Family Cemetery,
Hwy 18, south of Oglala

Memorial Walk
two miles to the Jumping Bull property

Community Feast
3:00 pm
Br. Rene Hall
Oglala

Youth Awareness Concert
4:00 - 9:30 pm

Concert Features: Arrow Space, Spyderzback, Native Era, Julian B, JD Nash, Dale Alan
Guest Speakers to be announced

http://www.oglalacommemoration/
for more information
This is a free event to all family, friends and supporters of Leonard Peltier.
Please bring school supply items for donation.

Please click here for more information :

http://leonardpeltier.net/documents/postermail07.jpg

THANK YOU - Lisa Reinhold, Gina &Barry Landeros/Thomas, Andy Mader, Wayquay,

Galson Eagle Star, Roselyn Jumping Bull, Fred Cedar Face

Respectfully,

Leonard Peltier Defense Committee

email: info@leonardpeltier.net

Freedom of Religion for Native American Inmates Petition

“No human being should ever have to fear for his own life because of political or religious beliefs. We are all in this together, my friends, the rich, the poor, the red, white, black, brown and yellow. We share responsibility for Mother Earth and those who live and breathe upon her ….never forget that.”

Leonard Peltier

Religious freedom is a fundamental right of all, including American Indians yet the struggle to preserve and protect our religion has always been a difficult one. More so when incarcerated Native Americans are concerned who tend to be given second rate acknowledgement by prison officials and mainstream faiths. In 1984 Robert Wilson, (Standing Deer) Albert Garza and I fasted for 42 days to draw worldwide attention to the deplorable conditions at the USP Marion and to no longer allow the United States to continue denying Native American brothers and sisters the right to practice our religion. For over 500 years our religion has been trampled on and disrespected by those who invaded our lands, and who have tried to take away our culture, our traditions, our language, our history, and our religion. When we fasted for 42 days we did not fast out of depression or despair, but with a joyful commitment of total love and dedication to our people. We were willing to fast until we were granted our constitutional right to practice our religion or until we returned to our Creator. In retaliation for our 42 day fast we were held in solitary isolation for 15 months with nothing in our “cages” (cell) except for a steel bunk and toilet. The door to the “cage” (cell) was never opened unless we were handcuffed behind our backs, and four guards with clubs were present to supervise our every move. After a year of confinement attorney Margaret Gold filed a lawsuit against the Federal Bureau of Prisons that secured in having each one of us transferred to a separate maximum security prison where we were allowed to practice our religion.

In 1985 I was transferred to USP Leavenworth; Alfred went to USP Lewisburg and Standing Deer to USP Lompoc.

As of August 15, 2005 I have been at USP Lewisburg and since November 2006 I have not attended an inipi ceremony (sweat lodge). When I say I have not attended an inipi ceremony, I must add I have refused to attend an inipi ceremony, as my way of refusing to participate in the ongoing disrespect for our religion and sacred ceremonies by the USP prison system. I can not allow the United States to continue denying Native American brothers and sisters the right to practice our religion. The trend within the past several years throughout the United States prison system has been to restrict the traditional spiritual practices of Native Americans. Nationwide the current trend of prison officials is to limit the amount of time Indian prisoners can participate in inipi ceremonies, talking circles and spiritual gatherings. The new restrictions in U.S. prisons are racist and undermine the sacredness of our traditional ceremonies. Those restrictions include time limits and the rationing of firewood for the inipi and an English-only mandate. Mandating the English-only requirement for the ceremony is discrimination and racist, because the Native language is used and needed for the songs and prayers to be blessed by the Creator. The new restrictions include a four-hour time limit on the Sweat lodge ceremony, which is unrealistic since the inipi includes the heating of the stones, which takes two hours, and two hours for the actual ceremony. The stones need to be heated for at least two hours, otherwise they are cold and the ceremony is neither complete nor beneficial to the healing and prayers. The rationing of firewood in U.S. prisons has deliberately undermined the heating of the stones for ceremony. Rushing through an ancient ceremony is not proper, it is very sacred. The deliberate attempt to shorten the hours and circumvent the ceremony is sacrilegious and undermining the seriousness and sacredness of the spiritual healing and blessings. Traditional ceremonies are to be held in the ancient and sacred way and manner. Prison chaplains continue to oversee American Indian ceremonies. The supervision of our inipi by the chaplain is not necessary, because it takes time away from other spiritual and cultural activities. These include talking circles, drumming sessions and Pipe ceremonies that also mandate the presence of the chaplain. During the inipi Ceremony, tobacco, or kinnikinnick (a mixture of sage, cedar and sweet grass) is used for our sacred pipe or Canupa. Very limited amounts of tobacco are allowed for our sacred pipe ceremony. I am a pipe carrier and am not allowed to smoke my pipe with tobacco, kinnikinnick is also not available. I have asked to smoke my pipe in the sacred lodge area and have been told that while the present Chaplain is working for the USP Lewisburg, I will not have access to my pipe.

A part of the ceremony is having a meal after the ceremony has been completed. The USP prison system is denying us the right, to eat this meal after our ceremony. The Native American brothers, are the only group that receives only two meals on the day we have our ceremony. This also changes the way our inipi ceremony has been taught to us by our ancestors.


I ask that those of you who can practice your religion freely do so and keep those of us who continue to fight for our religious freedom, preservation of our Culture, traditions, language, history and dignity in your thoughts and prayers.

Yours in the struggle,
Until freedom is won,

Leonard Peltier

Leonard Peltier Defense Committee
Website: http://www.leonardpeltier.net/
Email: info@leonardpeltier.net
Address:
LPDC
3800 N. Mesa
# A2
El Paso, Texas 79902


Action Alert: The Leonard Peltier Defense Committee kindly requests that you take a few minutes to read the information on the following petition that the LPDC will be sending to the Human Rights Council of the United Nations and to the Special Rapporteur on Religion of the United Nations Council on Human Rights. This will recognize the urgent need for international oversight and further investigation of the serious ongoing human rights violations, in order to insure that the freedom of religion for Native Prisoners is protected.

Our goal is to submit the petition by September 12, 2007. We kindly ask that you help support this petition by sending it to your lists. Please forward this annoucement/message in its entirety, do not modify, edit, remove or add to this petition or annoucement.

Together with your support and help, we can help to make a difference for Leonard Peltier and all of our brothers and sisters.

Respectfully,
Leonard Peltier Defense Committee

Please click here to join our Freedom of Religion for Native American Inmates Petition:
http://www.PetitionOnline.com/inipi/petition.html

Text of the above petition:

The U.S. Department of Justice as a branch of the United States Government has a legally binding trust responsibility to protect Native religions, spiritual and cultural practices.

Testimony has been presented at the U.S. Civil Rights Commission in Albuquerque, New Mexico and the U.S. Department of Justice Civil Rights Division in Washington, D.C. regarding the following violations of the spiritual, cultural, and religious rights of Native prisoners in U.S. federal and state prison systems;

Denial of access to traditional counseling and ceremonies;

Lack of equal access to religious and spiritual leaders;

Lack of Native American spiritual leaders employed as chaplains within the prison system;

Lack of equal access to religious and spiritual items;

Denial to the right to wear long hair or traditional hair according to the religious customs of respective Indian nations;

Denial of access to ceremonial foods;

Placement /transfer to state facilities where American Indian religious practices are prohibited;

Denial of access to Last Rite Ceremonies for American Indian inmates on Death Row;

Both U.S. Department of Justice and the U.S. Civil Rights Commission committed to investigate and address these serious issues but to the knowledge of those involved, nothing has been done to date.

We the undersign call upon the Special Rapporteur on Religion of the United Nations Council on Human Rights to recognize the urgent need for international oversight and further investigation of these serious ongoing human rights violations in order to insure that the freedom of religion for Native Prisoners is protected.
To address the above violations of the Native American prisoners the religious freedom rights; we the undersigned, recommend:

Congressional hearings are undertaken to hear testimony from tribal leaders, spiritual leaders, ex-offenders and family members to determine the magnitude of the problems and whether these problems are pervasive throughout the Federal Bureau of Prison and state prison systems.
We request that a Commission be developed and convene to investigate the ongoing violations within the Federal Bureau of Prisons and US prison systems.

We ask that upon completion of the investigation by the Commission that a congressional hearing be held to introduce Federal legislation for the protection of freedom of religion for Native Prisoners.

We ask that the Federal Bureau of Prisons and US prison systems hire
Bona fide Native American Spiritual Leaders/Advisors to conduct Native American religious ceremonies and provide Spiritual guidance to Native Prisoners.


Respectfully,

Leonard Peltier Defense Committee

Website: www.leonardpeltier.net

Email: info@leonardpeltier.net