Statement from behind the prison walls
Peltier's strong voice heard at Day of Mourning
The following statement was sent by political prisoner
Leonard Peltier to the 2002 National Day of Mourning.
Greetings Brothers and Sisters:
The first thing I want to do is to say "thank you" to the
organizers of this important and historical national event. I
know of the struggles and sacrifices you have had to make to
keep this event alive. Your sacrifice and persistence makes the
world a little more aware of us, and our struggles, which
continue to this day. I also want to thank those who traveled
here to stand alongside us in solidarity. And lastly I want to
"thank you" ALL for being the kind of human beings that care
enough to take action and who are willing to make a sacrifice
to ensure that justice applies to all people.
It is a great honor for me to once again be a part of a
gathering such as yours. As an Indigenous person I know first
hand what it means to be unwelcome on my own soil. I know first
hand of the oppressors' mighty vengeance against those who
would take a stand and question their laws. I fought for and
protected my people from a government that wanted us dead or
assimilated. My only crime is that I did dare to take a stand
against what was and still is unjust.
So as you gather here today, I remind you once again to
encourage each other in this continuing struggle for justice as
you encourage me with your letters and your love. For without
your encouragement I would not be able to go on. Your love and
encouragement has kept me going through the times when I didn't
want to care.
Now it's my turn to encourage you to stay strong when you
feel that there is no hope or that you're too tired to
continue. You must always remember those who came before us and
how they struggled. Remember the teachings handed down to us
from generation to generation. Remember all those who are
imprisoned because they dared to stand up and challenge
oppressive government policies and the continuing injustices we
see today.
Despite the distance between us I am here with you today as
I have been in the past. And I once again thank you for
allowing me to participate in this important and historic
event.
In the Spirit of Crazy Horse,
Leonard Peltier
"Gwarth-ee-las"
Reprinted from the Dec. 12, 2002, issue of
Workers World newspaper
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