Some background information:

The incident on the Pine Ridge reservation happened in 1975. Back in those days feelings of fear and desperation were common on the reservation. Pine Ridge was divided into two groups - Traditionalists and Non Traditionalists. The traditionalists were determined to keep the old ways alive and live the way they were always meant to live. Dickie Wilson was the tribal chairman at this time and as corrupt as they came. He stole tribal funds and used them to finance what was called the GOON squad. The goon squad was made of up non traditionalists that were heavily armed and their goal was to silence and stop all traditionlists and Members of the American Indian Movement. Gunfire and murders were a common part of each day on the reservation. People lived in constant fear of being shot at any time of the day or night. On one day in particular, FBI had been called in about a missing pair of cowboy boots - supposedly stolen by an Indian. The first question that pops into my mind - our FBI didn't have anything better to do that day than chase after stolen boots? The suspect was said to be driving a red truck. Two FBI agents in an umarked car followed a truck onto the Pine Ridge reservation. Considering the current state of fear on the reservation at that time, it isn't surprising that when two armed men in an unmarked car show up unannounced - never stating they were FBI - get out with weapons at a private household of traditionalists with children, that a gun fight would ensue. In the end, one Native American and 2 FBI agents were dead. Initially 2 Natives were arrested for the murder of the agents but were ultimately found innocent. When it came to Leonard Peltier - they had changed tactics. In Leonards case - the FBI changed their story dramatically. The time of the events and the conversations between agents changed. False witnesses were coerced to lie. The red truck was changed to a red and white van to fit the description of Leonards vehicle. Evidence was falsified and Leonard was sentenced to life. All because his involvement with AIM was threatening to the government and they had to cover up the fact that two armed agents illegally entered the reservation and a private residence. He remains in jail to this day in Pennsylvania. He has never been given another trial. Even though the FBI admit they have no idea who really killed those agents. He is a political prisoner and it's time he was given a fair trial and set free. Please help send a message to the government that this will not be tolerated and that we have not and will not forget about Leonard and never stop fighting for his freedom! The image to the left is a documentary on the incident and lays out the injustice. Please buy or rent this documentary and see for yourself. For more information please visit the following sites:

www.leonardpeltier.net - The official site of the Leonard Peltier Defense Committee