Advocacy for Leonard Peltier: A Timeline of Advocacy Letters and Their Significance

Advocacy letters for Leonard Peltier call attention to elder abuse, systemic injustice, and demand his release after 48 years in prison.

Leonard Peltier, an Indigenous political prisoner, has been incarcerated for over 48 years, enduring significant health challenges and systemic injustices. The letters advocating for his release are not only calls for justice but also urgent pleas to address elder abuse in the prison system. Below is a chronological account of the letters, their senders, and their shared purpose.

June 4, 2024: National Lawyers Guild (NLG)

The National Lawyers Guild’s Old Law Prisoner Project authored a letter addressed to the American Geriatrics Society (AGS). This letter emphasized the systemic elder abuse Leonard Peltier and other elderly prisoners endure, citing:

• Health Concerns: Peltier’s deteriorating health, including diabetes, hypertension, and sleep apnea, compounded by inadequate care in a facility constantly under lockdown.
• Systemic Injustice: The letter highlighted misconduct during his trial, including FBI intimidation, suppression of evidence, and racial bias.
• Advocacy for Parole: NLG called for AGS to advocate for Peltier’s parole hearing on June 10, 2024, stressing the safety and humanity of releasing elderly prisoners who pose no public threat.

The letter identified Leonard Peltier’s case as emblematic of broader issues, such as mass incarceration, elder neglect, and the disproportionate sentencing of marginalized groups. It urged AGS members to become active participants in advocating for the humane treatment of incarcerated elders.

November 18, 2024: Parole Elder Abuse Concerns Everyone (P.E.A.C.E.)

Later in the year, a follow-up letter was sent to AGS by Parole Elder Abuse Concerns Everyone (P.E.A.C.E.), continuing the call for justice during National Native American Heritage Month. This letter reiterated many of the points made by the NLG and further emphasized:

• Elder Abuse as a Crisis: The letter detailed ongoing neglect in Coleman Prison, including the lack of electrical outlets for Peltier’s CPAP machine and substandard monitoring of his health conditions, particularly an abdominal aortic aneurysm.
• The Broader Context: The correspondence highlighted how Peltier’s case represents the systemic failure to address age-related vulnerabilities among incarcerated individuals.
• Signatories and Support: This letter included endorsements from figures such as Donald “C-Note” Hooker, Ricardo Alvarez, MD, and others advocating for elder justice.

Common Themes and Shared Purpose

The two letters, though authored by different organizations, share common objectives:

1. Human Rights Advocacy:
   • Both letters frame Leonard Peltier’s incarceration as a violation of human rights, with a focus on the inhumane treatment of elderly prisoners.
2. Focus on Elder Abuse:
   • They highlight systemic elder abuse in the prison system, positioning Peltier’s case as a catalyst for broader reform.
3. Call for Action:
   • Both letters urge the American Geriatrics Society to take a stand and support Peltier’s release, advocating for systemic change in the treatment of aging prisoners.
4. Historical and Social Context:
   • The letters connect Peltier’s plight to the larger history of Indigenous oppression and mass incarceration, appealing to justice and restorative practices.

Conclusion

These advocacy letters represent a united front in seeking justice for Leonard Peltier and addressing systemic elder abuse. Through their shared voices, they call upon organizations and individuals to join the fight for a more compassionate and equitable justice system. By amplifying these letters and their messages, we not only seek freedom for Leonard Peltier but also aim to reform a broken system that continues to neglect its most vulnerable members.

June 4, 2024: National Lawyers Guild (NLG):

November 18, 2024: Parole Elder Abuse Concerns Everyone (P.E.A.C.E.)