Supporters Plan Birthday Events for Imprisoned Leonard Peltier Countrywide

Native News Network Staff in Native Currents. Discussion »

Indianapolis, Oakland
& Rapid City

FARGO, NORTH DAKOTA

Peltier is serving a life sentence in the US Penitentiary in Lewisburg, Pennsylvania. He was convicted of the 1975 murders of two FBI agents on the Pine Ridge Reservation. He was convicted in 1977.

Peltier 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.

The Leonard Peltier Defense Offense Committee announced that supporters of Peltier have planned the following events today:

Indianapolis, Indiana

In Indianapolis, Indiana, there will be demonstration outside, at the Birch Bayh Federal Building and US Courthouse (formerly known as the US Courthouse and Post Office) from 2:00 pm to 5:00 pm. Demonstrators will gather at the city block bounded by Ohio, Meridian, Pennsylvania, and New York Streets. Those who are interested in joining the event are asked to bring drums, flutes, signs and banners. Regalia is encouraged, but not required.

Supporters will have petitions to sign and information sheets for handouts.

Rapid City, South Dakota

In Rapid City, South Dakota, there will be a Wocekiye Kiksuyapi (Prayer Vigil) for Leonard Peltier from 11:00 am - 2:00 pm, outside the United States District Court, Federal Building at the corner of Ninth and Main. Drummers and singers are welcome.

A potluck is scheduled for after the event from 2:00 to 5:00 pm at College Park in North Rapid City, Corner of Lemmon St. and College Avenue.

This event is sponsored by the Leonard Peltier Defense Offense Committee Chapters - Rapid City, South Dakota.

Oakland, California

Please join AIM-WEST and Leonard Peltier Defense Offense Committee Chapters in the Bay Area for an evening of fun and good cheer to honor Leonard Peltier's birthday. The celebration will include a potluck dinner, bring food to share. Also with MC and special guest in the house, Mr. Len Foster, spiritual advisor for Mr. Peltier; poetry and music, all drummers and singers welcome; movie to be announced; news and local speakers with announcements; and ice cream and cake.

The birthday celebration will be from 6:00 pm - 10 pm at the Inter-tribal Friendship House, located at 523 International Boulevard, near 5th Avenue, in Oakland, California.

posted September 12, 2011 6:40 am edt