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
Nov. 28, 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"

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National Day of Mourning

'No giving thanks for colonialism'

By Mahtowin Munro
Plymouth, Mass., Nov. 29, 2002

More than 500 people, from all the four directions, braved bitter cold to participate in the 33rd National Day of Mourning in Plymouth, Mass., on Nov. 28. The event is organized annually by United American Indians of New England (UAINE).

Native people from many nations were in attendance, as well as many non-Native supporters, providing a powerful demonstration of unity. The co-leaders of UAINE particularly acknowledged the presence of Palestinian supporters, noting that "Their struggle is one with our struggle."

According to Moonanum James, a Wampanaog and co-leader of UAINE, "Our very presence frees this land from the lies of the history books, the profiteers and the mythmakers. We will honor all peoples' ancestors in struggle who went before us."

Several of the speakers honored those who had died during the past year. All spoke of the true history of the European settlement of the Americas and the importance of teaching children that truth.

After a speak-out during which many speakers called for freedom for Native political prisoner Leonard Peltier, Day of Mourning participants marched through the streets of Plymouth. During a street rally that blocked traffic on the waterfront by Plymouth Rock, Raul Ruiz (Mexica), part of the Danza Azteca group that led the march, called upon participants to "crush the rock and all that it represents."

This annual Native American protest of the mythology surrounding the Pilgrims and "Thanksgiving" first occurred in 1970 after an attempt to suppress the truth.

Wamsutta Frank James, an Aquinnah Wampanoag man, had been invited to address a gathering sponsored by the Commonwealth of Massachusetts commemorating the 350th anniversary of the landing of the Pilgrims.

Because Wamsutta was going to talk about how the coming of the Pilgrims and other European colonialists brought about the devastation of the Wampanoag and other Native peoples in the northeastern U.S., officials of Massachusetts demanded that he follow a script that they would provide.

Wamsutta refused, and as a result Native and non-Native people gathered in Plymouth and declared U.S. "Thanksgiving Day" a National Day of Mourning. UAINE and their supporters have gathered, in good or bad weather, every year since.

Sadly, the conditions of racism and poverty in Indian Country that prevailed in 1970 continue today. For example, as Moonanum James pointed out, "Many Native people are forced to choose every winter between heating and eating. As the economy crumbles and social programs are eliminated altogether, these conditions will only worsen. "

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