Today marks a significant moment for the Native American community. Leonard Peltier, a prominent Indigenous activist, has been released from prison. He will now complete his sentence at home in North Dakota.
At 80 years old, Peltier was serving life for the deaths of two FBI agents during a standoff on the Pine Ridge Indian Reservation in South Dakota in 1975.
Former President Joe Biden commuted Peltier’s sentence just before leaving office. In a heartfelt statement, Peltier expressed his gratitude: “Today I am finally free! They may have imprisoned me, but they never took my spirit. Thank you to all my supporters throughout the world who fought for my freedom. I am finally going home.”
North Dakota state representative Ruth Anna Buffalo, a long-time advocate for Peltier, expressed her happiness: “Happy and hopeful that justice and the efforts to continue supporting tribal peoples throughout our country continue.”
Peltier’s family is also celebrating this momentous day. His niece, Shannon Cartwright, said, “This is a historical day, it really is, not just for us as a family but for Native people.”
While Peltier maintains his innocence, the former FBI Director, Christopher Wray, disagreed, stating that any relief from his conviction is “wholly unjustified.” Buffalo acknowledged the pain of those who lost loved ones in the incident but hopes for a future dialogue that can help heal past wounds.
Instead of seeking a pardon, which could suggest guilt, Peltier chose to have his sentence commuted. He will now live on the Turtle Mountain Reservation in North Dakota.
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Joe Biden, South Dakota, North Dakota, FBI
