Belcourt, North Dakota – On Wednesday, the small town of Belcourt was filled with joy and celebration as Native American activist Leonard Peltier returned home after being released from a Florida prison. Peltier, who had been serving a life sentence for the 1975 killings of two FBI agents, was welcomed by over 500 people who had gathered at a center in Belcourt. The event was filled with food, drumming, and dancing as the community came together to celebrate the release of one of their own.
The 80-year-old Peltier grew emotional as he addressed the crowd, expressing his gratitude for their support throughout the years. “I’m so proud of the showing and support you’ve given me,” Peltier said. “I’ve got a hard time keeping myself from crying. A strong warrior can’t be up crying in front of his people.” It was a powerful moment that showcased the strength and resilience of Peltier and his people.
Peltier’s release was made possible by former President Joe Biden, who commuted his life sentence to home confinement before leaving office. This decision came after years of advocacy and support from various individuals and groups who believed in Peltier’s innocence. Peltier was convicted of two counts of first-degree murder for the deaths of FBI agents Jack Coler and Ronald Williams during a confrontation on the Pine Ridge Indian Reservation in South Dakota. However, Peltier has always maintained his innocence and has been considered by many as a political prisoner who was wrongly convicted for fighting for Indigenous rights as a member of the American Indian Movement.
Despite the support for his release, Peltier’s case has been a contentious one. Many in law enforcement have argued against his release, with current and former FBI agents disputing his claims of innocence. Even as Biden considered his options, former FBI Director Christopher Wray sent a letter to the president calling Peltier “a remorseless killer” who should remain in prison. However, Biden ultimately sided with the numerous individuals and groups who supported Peltier’s release, citing his age, time served in prison, and leadership role among Native Americans.
During his 49 years in prison, Peltier never wavered in his fight for Native American issues. As he stated on Wednesday, “I spent 49 years straight in prison for something I didn’t do.” Despite the hardships he faced, Peltier remained a strong advocate for his people, and he expressed his gratitude for the support he received from tribes all over the country. “From day one, from the first hour I was arrested, Indian people came to my rescue, from all over the country,” Peltier said. This unwavering support from his community has been a driving force for Peltier throughout his time in prison.
At the event, tribal leaders presented Peltier with an eagle feather staff and a traditional star quilt, honoring his years of activism and sacrifice. Nick Tilsen, an Oglala Lakota and founder of the Indigenous-led advocacy group NDN Collective, paid tribute to Peltier and his generation of American Indian Movement leaders for standing up “against the most powerful government in the world.” He also highlighted the impact of Peltier’s fight, saying, “All around the world, Leonard Peltier’s name will be remembered as a warrior, as a warrior who outlasted one of the strongest governments in the world, and came out victorious.”
Turtle Mountain Band of Chippewa Tribal Chair Jamie Azure echoed Tilsen’s sentiments, stating that the welcome shown by the hundreds of people at the event was a testament to what Peltier means to the tribe and other Native Americans. “What I think you can see from the turnout here today, it means a lot to a lot of people on a lot of different levels to see Mr. Peltier come back to his homeland, to just be home,” Azure said. Peltier’s return to his community was a momentous occasion, showcasing the love and support he has from his people.
As tribal member Denise Lajimodiere summed it up, “It’s a big day. A day of celebration.” Peltier’s release is not only a celebration of his freedom, but also a symbol of hope and resilience for the Native American community. In a world where Indigenous peoples have faced centuries of injustices, Peltier’s release is a reminder that their voices
