Over half a century since a tense shootout on the Pine Ridge Indian Reservation led to his imprisonment, Leonard Peltier remains staunch in his convictions. He insists on his innocence in the 1975 deaths of two FBI agents, viewing his release—a result of a sentence commutation from former President Joe Biden—as a launching pad for a renewed phase of advocacy.
“I will dedicate the rest of my life to advocating for our community because our fight continues. The danger is not yet over,” Peltier, now 80, mentioned in an exclusive conversation at his new residence on the Turtle Mountain Reservation in North Dakota. Nestled close to the Canadian border, Peltier’s tribal homeland will now serve as the backdrop for him to complete his sentence under house arrest.
Peltier, born into a turbulent era marred by violent clashes between the U.S. government and Indigenous populations, has emerged into another politically charged moment in history. Aware of the perceived threats posed by the rise of far-right groups and ongoing federal policies, he expresses concerns about potential government interests in exploiting tribal lands for minerals and oil extraction. “We don’t need to resort to violence. We just need to stand up and resist,” he said in his first extensive interview in over three decades.
The compound history between the FBI and Native American activists
During the late 60s to the 70s, Peltier was an activist in the American Indian Movement (AIM) that championed Native American rights and self-determination. Characterized by high-profile acts of civil disobedience, the movement is perhaps best remembered for a high-tension occupation of Wounded Knee, leading to a prolonged standoff with federal agents. For many AIM members, their activism harkens back to a historical resistance dating back to the country’s founding.
On the day of the infamous shootout, heightened tensions prevailed on the Pine Ridge reservation amidst significant FBI presence, perceived by local residents as a threat to their sovereignty. What ensued was a confrontation between AIM members, including Peltier, and FBI agents Jack Coler and Ron Williams. Both agents, alongside AIM member Joseph Stuntz, lost their lives in the ordeal.
The FBI alleges Peltier shot the agents at close proximity. In opposition to his clemency, former FBI director Christopher Wray labeled Peltier a “remorseless killer.” Many, including North Dakota Governor Kelly Armstrong, still bear this view: “Multiple federal judges upheld his conviction. There was zero legal justification for his release. Peltier was supposed to remain incarcerated.”
While Peltier’s sentence was commuted, he wasn’t pardoned. President Biden cited his advanced age, deteriorating health, and the extensive time Peltier already served as reasons for the clemency decision. While Peltier admits to being present during the shootout, he stands by his claim of self-defense, maintaining he was not responsible for the fatal shots. He believes he was scapegoated after co-defendants were exonerated for acting in self-defense.
“Revenge, lacking a responsible party, targeted Leonard Peltier,” he commented from his new residence’s kitchen table. Amnesty International and numerous political figures, globally and domestically, have urged for Peltier’s release, questioning his trial’s fairness. Notably, James Reynolds, the prosecuting U.S. Attorney, later recommended clemency, acknowledging the lack of evidence that Peltier fired the lethal shots.
Cyrus Peltier, Leonard’s grandson, often visited him at the federal prison in Kansas, curious about why Peltier wouldn’t express remorse during parole hearings. “His response was always ‘That’s not the fight I’m in for, grandson. If I have to die asserting my innocence, then so be it.’”
A prisoner-turned-symbol of hope
While imprisoned, Peltier’s story resonated globally, rallying support from international political leaders and American celebrities who saw him as emblematic of misjudgments against Native Americans. Constant public support and protests for his release were a vital lifeline. Despite numerous setbacks, including a denied parole just last July, Peltier maintained his spirit.
“It was the relentless support that kept my spirit alive,” he asserted. Indigenous leaders energetically advocated for his release for decades. However, others opposed this, linking him to the unsolved murder of AIM member Anna Mae Pictou Aquash in 1975. Speaking recently, Peltier denied any involvement in her demise.
‘My life had purpose’
Ultimately, Biden heeded the advice of key figures like Deb Haaland, the first Native American U.S. Interior Secretary. On February 18, Peltier was granted release, journeying back to North Dakota. A week post-release, the fear of it all being merely a dream lingers in his psyche.
Constrained to his residence and local community, Peltier begins receiving regular medical care to manage his health challenges, including an aortic aneurysm. With limited mobility aided by a cane or walker, his spirits are buoyed by visitors bearing gifts and tokens of support.
Aspiring to earn through painting and writing, as he did behind bars, he’s determined to guide the forthcoming generation of activists. Reflecting on nearly half a century of incarceration, it’s the passionate activism of young Native people that assures him his sacrifices weren’t in vain. “Knowing my life had a purpose brings me contentment,” he quietly remarked, choking back tears.
