Indigenous Activist Leonard Peltier Granted Clemency

On January 20, 2025, in one of his final acts as President, Joe Biden commuted the life sentence of Indigenous activist Leonard Peltier, who is now 80 and of declining health, allowing him to serve the remainder of his term under home confinement. This decision concludes nearly five decades of imprisonment for Peltier, who was convicted in 1977 for the 1975 murders of two FBI agents during a confrontation on the Pine Ridge Indian Reservation in South Dakota. 

 

The action is an extraordinary move that ends a decades-long push by Indigenous activists, international religious leaders, human rights organizations and Hollywood insiders who argued that the Native American activist was wrongly convicted. The National Congress of American Indians celebrated the "historic" decision in a statement saying the case "has long symbolized the systemic injustices faced by Indigenous Peoples."
 

Background on Leonard Peltier
 

Leonard Peltier, born on September 12, 1944, in Belcourt, North Dakota, is a member of the Turtle Mountain Chippewa tribe. He became an active member of the American Indian Movement (AIM), an organization established in the late 1960s to advocate for the rights of Native Americans and address systemic issues such as poverty, discrimination, and police brutality. The mid-1970s were a tumultuous period for Indigenous activists, particularly on the Pine Ridge Reservation, which was marked by violent confrontations between AIM members and federal authorities.
 

The 1975 Incident and Conviction
 

On June 26, 1975, a shootout occurred on the Pine Ridge Reservation, resulting in the deaths of FBI agents Jack Coler and Ronald Williams. Peltier was implicated in their deaths and subsequently fled to Canada. He was extradited to the United States in 1976 and convicted in 1977 on two counts of first-degree murder, receiving two consecutive life sentences. Peltier has consistently maintained his innocence, asserting that he did not kill the agents. Over the years, questions have arisen regarding the fairness of his trial, including allegations of withheld evidence and coerced testimonies.
 

Advocacy for Clemency
 

Throughout Peltier's incarceration, a diverse coalition of supporters--including Indigenous groups, human rights organizations, and notable figures such as Nelson Mandela, Pope Francis, and the Dalai Lama--advocated for his release. They highlighted concerns about the integrity of his trial and his declining health, which includes diabetes and heart issues. Despite multiple clemency petitions, previous administrations, including those of Presidents Bill Clinton and Barack Obama, denied his requests.
 

President Biden's Decision
 

President Biden's commutation permits Peltier to transition to home confinement, a move celebrated by many as a step toward justice and reconciliation. Secretary of the Interior Deb Haaland and Cherokee Principal Chief Chuck Hoskin Jr. lauded the decision, viewing it as an acknowledgment of historical injustices faced by Indigenous communities. Peltier expressed profound gratitude, stating, "This is as good as freedom."
 

Opposition and Controversy
 

Despite widespread support for Peltier's release, the commutation faced criticism from law enforcement agencies. FBI Director Christopher Wray and the FBI Agents Association condemned the decision, describing it as a "cowardly act" and a "cruel betrayal" to the families of the slain agents. They maintain that Peltier's conviction was just and that he should serve his full sentence.
 

Implications for Indigenous Rights and Justice
 

Peltier's release is seen by many as a significant victory for Indigenous rights and a testament to the enduring efforts of activists who have long championed his cause. It underscores the broader issues of systemic injustice and the need for reconciliation between the U.S. government and Native American communities. As Peltier returns home, his story serves as a poignant reminder of the ongoing struggles faced by Indigenous peoples and the importance of addressing historical grievances to foster healing and understanding. 

 

In the words of Leonard Peltier himself: "No human being should ever have to fear for his own life because of political or religious beliefs. We are all in this together my friends: the rich, the poor, the red, white, black, brown and yellow. We share responsibility for Mother Earth and those who live and breathe upon her...never forget that."