[Editor's note: Leonard Peltier is one of the most prominent U.S. political prisoners, and certainly the most prominent Native American one. Peltier has been jailed for over two decades despite well-publicized exposés of his trial and conviction as a travesties of justice --exposés ranging from the top U.S. TV newsmagazine, Sixty Minutes to the book In the Spirit of Crazy Horse by prize-winning author Peter Matthiessen. --SeeingRed]

Greetings, friends and supporters:
On this day my spirit continues to remain hopeful and my heart strong knowing that we are right in our struggle for my freedom and the liberation of my people. I want to thank you for your work and for the sacrifices you have made on my behalf.

Twenty-three years is a very long time and I sometimes grow tired and frustrated but it is thanks to you that I do not give up. I know that in unity and in solidarity we will be successful and that one day we will work side by side in the struggle for liberation and justice for all First Nations Peoples - for all oppressed peoples.

It is among yourselves and within your communities that you have real power. You have the power to talk to one another and break down the isolation created by the dominant culture that fears you realizing your potential to stand together in unity.

Despite the suffering I feel and the torturous years of imprisonment that I have endured, deep down I have no regrets in fighting for my people - in fighting for what is right. It is out of urgent necessity and with strong conviction that we must speak out and organize against forces that want to enslave us, rob us of our humanity and separate us from each other and from the Earth.

I am told that the pressure being put on the Canadian Minister of Justice, Anne McClellan to release the report on my extradition is having an effect. This is just another example of how in unity, we can be successful. But, we must continue our work and we must continue this work in unity and with respect and tolerance of one another.

I hope that many of you will be able to attend the conference this June and that meanwhile you will continue your activities. The recently-gained freedom of Wolverine, Geronimo Ji Jaga Pratt, and the Irish Nationalist H-Block 3 prisoners is proof that we too can and will prevail. Again, I thank you for your work and I am moved by the intensity of activity on my behalf on this day.

In the Spirit of Crazy Horse,
Leonard Peltier

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