Leonard Peltier Supporters to Hold Rally During White House Tribal Nations Conference

Native News Network Staff in Native Currents. Discussion »

Friday-Bolivar Park

WASHINGTON - Supporters of Leonard Peltier will hold a rally in Bolivar Park, across the street from the US Department of Interior, on Friday where the White House Tribal Nations Conference will be held. It is being called "Wall of Support: Stand Up/Stand Out for Leonard Peltier."

The vigil is a being billed as a peaceful demonstration by the Leonard Peltier Defense Offence Committee, the organizers of the event.

The Committee is asking President Obama to grant clemency for Peltier, who is serving a life sentence in the US Penitentiary in Coleman, Florida. He was convicted of the 1975 murders of two FBI agents on the Pine Ridge Reservation. He was convicted in 1977.

President Obama has the authority to grant clemency at any time he chooses and he is not required to follow suggestions or the process of the Office of the Pardon Attorney.

The Committee was encouraged by the actions of the National Congress of American Indians that passed a resolution that called for the freedom of Peltier unanimously at its annual convention in Portland, Oregon earlier this month.

Leonard Peltier - Chippewa

“This means so much to me. I'm grateful for the support of my People. I thank the NCAI for their efforts,”

said Leonard Peltier of the resolution passed by the National Congress of American Indians.

Peltier, tribal member of the Turtle Mountain Band of Chippewa Indians, is considered to be a political prisoner of war by many American Indians throughout the United States and others worldwide. Through the years, Peltier's supporters have included the Dalai Lama, Mother Teresa and Bishop Desmond Tutu, among other prominent names.

"As you know, we have been looking forward to the 2011 White House Tribal Nations Conference. It is a great opportunity to do some meaningful outreach on Leonard's behalf," stated Peter Clark, a spokesman for the Leonard Peltier Defense Offence Committee, in an email to the Native News Network. "At the conferences in 2009 and 2010 there were good exchanges between the Peltier supporters and attendees. President Obama clearly noticed our presence."

The Leonard Peltier Defense Offence Committee has secured a permit to assemble in Bolivar Park, 1849 C Street, NW, from sunrise to sunset on Friday. Throughout the day, there will be drumming and various speakers. The Committee is asking the general public to come out to show solidarity. Tribal leaders, who wish, are encouraged to stop by to get a free pin to wear inside the Interior Building at the tribal nations conference.

posted November 29, 2011 9:10 am est