Leonard Peltier

On Feb. 6, 2016, on the 40th anniversary of Native American political prisoner Leonard Peltier's arrest, a broad coalition of organizations will hold an important event in Los Angeles to demand the immediate release of Native American political prisoner, Leonard Peltier.
"Much of the government's behavior at the Pine Ridge Reservation and its prosecution of Leonard Peltier is to be condemned. The government withheld evidence. It intimidated witnesses. These facts are not disputed."
10th Circuit Court of Appeals

WHO: A coalition of solidarity scholars, educators, community organizers and activists is organizing the event. The list includes American Indian Movement Southern California (AIM), Interfaith Communities United for Justice and Peace (ICUJP), Act Now to Stop War & End Racism (ANSWER), International Action Center (IAC), Idle No More Los Angeles, and Native American Caucus SEIU local 721.
KPFK Radio is a proud media sponsor.

In addition to attached flyer highlighting speakers and performers added the following-

Key Speaker: Danny Blackgoat, Dineh Black Mesa- Retired Educator, Activist, Long time advocate for Leonard Peltier

Kat High- Cultural Education and Environmental Education, former Director of the Haramokngna American Indian Cultural Center, board member Gabrielino/Tongva Springs Foundation, CISA, American Indian Scholarship Fund of Southern California, videographer & recording engineer

Julia Bogany is a Elder of the Tongva Nation/ Gabrielino Band of Mission Indians. Board President to the Gabrielino/Tongva Springs Foundation, educator, director and activist for over thirty years fighting for equal rights for all Native Americans.

Matt Sedillo, Indigenous Poet, and a two-time national slam poet, grand slam champion of the Damn Slam Los Angeles 2011 and the author of For What I Might Do Tomorrow published by Caza De Poesia 2010

Julio Rodriguez The Conga Poet- Puerto Rican-Panamanian, Conga player,writer, poet and lyricist since 2010.

WHAT: In solidarity with international actions to demand clemency and freedom for Leonard Peltier on this date, a full day is planned in Los Angeles, with speakers, musical performances, traditional Native singing and drumming, a children's corner, and food. Over 15 community-based organizations are planning to participate to bring awareness and education in how the incarceration of Peltier indirectly affects the issues that neighborhoods and communities are facing today. "Today, even behind bars, Peltier is recognized internationally as an advocate for human rights and the environment," says Corine Fairbanks, Director of the American Indian Movement Southern California. "Ironically, this is what he was standing up for when he was arrested."

This is a family-oriented, free event; donations will be appreciated and happily accepted at the door. Tribal elders and spiritual leaders will be ending the day with a Candlelight Vigil and Prayer ceremony at 8:30pm.

WHEN: Saturday, February 6, 2:00 – 9:00 PM

WHERE: Chuco's Justice Center, 1137 E. Redondo Blvd., Inglewood, CA 90302

WHY: Peltier, declared by Amnesty International to be a political prisoner, has been incarcerated for 40 years. He is in bad health and has been denied proper medical treatment. Education, awareness and signatures are needed to pressure President Obama to grant clemency to Peltier before the end of his presidency.

"It is not just about ending an unjustness to one individual," stated Carolfrances Likins of the ICUJP. "Leonard was targeted by the FBI for defending his people and the land from energy companies. Our solidarity with Indigenous people, and the defense of the environment, needs to include his freedom."