LEONARD PELTIER FREEDOM MONTH - NOVEMBER 1999

Monday, November 1 OPENING OF LEONARD PELTIER FREEDOM MONTH

Location: Lafayette Square-White House

Schedule: 6:30 a.m. Sunrise Ceremony lead by Lakota Spiritual Advisor, David Chie (all are welcome) 8:30 a.m. Drumming and Singing 9:00 a.m. Briefing on Peltier case by Jennifer Harbury Introduction of Peltier family members 9:30 a.m. Survivors of the Pine Ridge Reign of Terror Speak:

Rosaline Jumping Bull, daughter of the late Cecilia and Harry Jumping Bull lived on the property where the shoot out took place, and returned to find their home destroyed by the FBI. They witnessed the shoot out aftermath and survived the reign of terror. She will be accompanied by her niece, Fedelia Cross, who also survived the reign of terror.

Jean Ann Day, of the Ho-Chunk Nation, moved to Oglala in 1975 to support and protect the traditional people who had requested help from the American Indian Movement. She witnessed the shoot out aftermath on Pine Ridge, and survived the reign of terror.

Edgar Bear Runner, the son of the late Oscar Bear Runner is a life long resident of the Pine Ridge Lakota Nation and a defender of Native rights. He was sent into the shoot out area to negotiate with AIM and in doing so he returned 11 year old Jimmy Zimmerman to safety. Notably, Edgar had witnessed the mobilization of SWAT teams around Oglala before the shoot out occurred.

Jean Bordeaux Roach, daughter of the late Evelyn Bordeaux, was 14 years old when she survived the June 26, 1975 shoot out. She moved to the Jumping Bull Ranch on Pine Ridge to support and protect the traditional people who requested help from the American Indian Movement.

Ellen Moves Camp, a life time resident of the Pine Ridge Lakota Nation, was a key organizer and spokesperson of the Wounded Knee occupation, and is a survivor of the Pine Ridge reign of terror. She is a well respect traditional elder and a life time defender of Native rights.

Russell Loud Hawk, a well respected elder and life long resident of Oglala, is a defender of Native rights. He and his family assisted the Wounded Knee occupants, and he is a survivor of the reign of terror.

11:00 a.m. Freedom Runners arrive from the Liberty Bell in Philadelphia, welcoming prayer ceremony and drumming. Leonard Peltier's daughters, Marquetta Peltier and Kathy Peltier, grandchildren, Cyrus Peltier and Alexandra Peltier, and brother, Irvin Peltier speak on behalf of their brother, father, and grandfather, Leonard Peltier.

1:00 a.m. David Chief prepares fasters, freedom fast begins

Tuesday, November 2 STILL NO JUSTICE

Location: Lafayette Square-White House

Schedule: 6:30 - Sunrise Ceremony 10:00am -11:30am Ceremonial Presentation of Letters of Support to White House accompanied by prayer, drumming, and singing. Comments by Native American leaders.

Wednesday, November 3 HONORING OF NATIVE LIVES (An honoring for all Native people who gave their lives during the 1890 Wounded Knee Massacre, Wounded Knee II occupation, and the Pine Ridge reign of terror)

Location: Lafayette Square, White House

Schedule: 6:30 - Sunrise Ceremony 10:00 - Speakers - History of Pine Ridge from the Wounded Knee massacre to Wounded Knee II to the murder of Anna Mae Aquash:

All survivors listed for November 1st, with the following added: -Marie Fox Belly - Descendant of 1890 Wounded Knee Massacre -Choch Goings - Sister of the late Milo Goings (Wounded Knee Veteran)- Survived Pine Ridge reign of terror.

11:00 Question and Answer period 12:00 Performance of historical play about Wounded Knee II 1:00 Recess 2:00-5:00 Commemoration of 64 Native persons killed at Pine Ridge. Drumming, singing, prayer session to accompany Commemoration.

Thursday, November 4 INFORMATION DISTRIBUTION

Location: Lafayette Square

Schedule: 6:30 am Sunrise Ceremony Entire Day: Information table and distribution of literature

Friday, November 5 INFORMATION DISTRIBUTION AND CULTURAL PRESENTATIONS

Location: Lafayette Square

Schedule: 6:30 Sunrise Ceremony, drumming, and singing 12:00-3:00 traditional dance and music 3:00-6:00 prayer, drumming, and singing in preparation for new fasters

 

 

Saturday, November 6 SOLIDARITY WITH THE MAYAN PEOPLES

Location: Lafayette Square

Schedule: 6:30 am Sunrise Ceremony 2pm - 5pm Mayan Day of the Dead ceremonies. Marimba music Mayan Elders will speak Traditional prayer ceremony of four directions Prayer Kites for spirits 6-9pm Same ceremonies : candlelight vigil

Sunday November 7 SOLIDARITY WITH THE INDIGENOUS PEOPLES OF MEXICO

Location: Lafayette Square

Schedule: 6:30 am Prayer circle in Lafayette Park 2pm.-5pm Aztec Day of the Dead ceremonies/ prayer sessions/ dances/ Four Directions ceremony Traditional Altar Local speakers on history of Indigenous peoples 7pm-10pm Candlelight vigil

Monday, November 8, 1999 SOLIDARITY WITH THE DINEH OF BIG MOUNTAIN

Location: Lafayette Square

Schedule: 6:30 am Sunrise Ceremony 12:00 noon-Roberta Blackgoat will do a prayer ceremony for Leonard Peltier and the fasters. She will speak about the current critical situation at Big Mountain.

- Roberta Blackgoat is a Dineh (Navajo) elder who has resisted a program of forced relocation of the sovereign Dineh Nation of Big Mountain since 1977. The traditional Dineh people of the Black Mesa area are subjected to a plan, which jeopardizes their traditional way of life and existence. After 22 years of struggle against the U.S. government, the BIA, and the multi-national Peabody Coal Company, a final attempt to permanently relocate the last resistors will be made. The date set to forcibly remove the traditional men, women and children from their ancestral lands is February 1, 2000.

Tuesday, November 9, 1999 YOUTH FOR JUSTICE

Location: Ellipse Park (White House)

Schedule: 6:30 am Sunrise Ceremony 11:30 am-2pm Speakers, Rap, Hip Hop, and Punk Rock

- OJ, Anishinabe from Canada, took part in the defense of the Shuswap Sun Dance ground at Gustafsen Lake, British Columbia. During the stand off, he survived a military assault when his truck hit a government land mine which blew his truck up. He was a recognized political prisoner along with Shuswap leader, Wolverine who was recently released from prison.

- Melissa Copeland helps to coordinate the Northern Maryland Anti-Racist Action chapter. Anti-Racist Action is an organization dedicating itself to combating racism through direct action. They confront racism on many fronts including police brutality, the Klan, political prisoners and more.

- Blackfire is a rock band whose members are the grandchildren of Roberta Blackgoat, a Dineh Big Mountain resister. They use their music to raise awareness around Indigenous issues like Big Mountain and Leonard Peltier. Band members, Klee, Jeneda and Clayson Benally will also speak on the behalf of Leonard Peltier and Indigenous rights.

- Natay is a Dine Hip Hop artist whose music is inspired by his experiences growing up in a traditional Dine home and later moving to the city and winding up in prison. He uses his music to positively influence young people and to raise awareness around Indigenous issues. He is a dedicated supporter of Leonard Peltier.

- Warriors Blood is a Mohawk rap group from Akwesasne. They use their music to raise awareness around issues facing Indigenous peoples. They have performed at numerous benefits to help raise funds around important issues.

- Native Students from the DC Art Institute, TBA

2pm-5pm: Preparation of new fasters. Singing and drumming.

Wednesday, November 10, 1999 "WIPING OF TEARS" HONORING FOR INGRID WASHINAWATOK, LAHEENAE GAY, AND TERENCE FREITAS

Location: Lafayette Square

Schedule: 6:30 am Sunrise Ceremony 11:30 am-2pm Family members of human rights defenders killed recently in Columbia while supporting the Uwa people will take part in a Native ceremony to honor their lives.

Thursday, November 11, 1999 VETERANS FOR JUSTICE Sponsored by VETERANS FOR PEACE

Location: Lafayette Square

Schedule: 6:30 am Sunrise Ceremony 9am-2pm

Speakers and book readings by: - Sandy Whitehawk, Lakota from Rosebud, carries the staff for Native American veterans in Wisconsin and is a loyal supporter of Leonard Peltier. James Rayle is an Apache author, a Vietnam Veteran, and a long time supporter of Leonard Peltier. He will read from some of his writings including, Billy Running Dog. - John Steinbeck is a veteran and long time supporter of Leonard Peltier. - Richard Moser is a veteran and the author of New Winter Soldiers. (More speakers to be announced)

Friday, November 12, 1999 INFORMATION DISTRIBUTION

Location: Lafayette Square

Schedule: 6:30 am Sunrise Ceremony Entire Day: Information table and distribution of literature

Saturday, November 13, 1999 UNITY DAY

Location: Lafayette Square

Schedule: 6:30 am Sunrise Ceremony 10am Thunder Alliance caravan arrives 10:30am-4pm Speakers: - Ramona Africa, representative for the MOVE 9 and the International Concerned Friends and Family of Mumia Abu Jamal, - Janice Christensen, Amnesty International - USA - Keith Jennings, President of African-American Human Rights Foundation - Leslie Feinberg, National Peoples' Campaign - Frank Velgara, national outreach coordinator for Vieques, member of the Working Group on Puerto Rico & Amnesty Pro-Libertad Campaign - Representative for political prisoner, Fred Hampton Jr. - Representative for the Ramsey Muniz Defense Committee - Representative for the Industrial Workers of the World - La Raza (invited) -United Farm Workers (invited) - Representative from Sinn Fein (invited) - School of the Americas Watch (invited) - Representative from the Washington Kurdish Institute (invited) - Bahktiar Amin, Director of the Human Rights Alliance (invited)

Music: - Shadowyze is a rap artist of Cherokee and Creek descent and a member of the Santa Rosa County Creek Tribe in Northwest Florida who writes music exposing injustices against Indigenous peoples of the Americas. He was recently featured in Aboriginal Voices and News From Indian Country. Shadow Wyze has just completed a new song about Leonard Peltier and will be debuting it in Washington DC. - Seeds of Wisdom is a hip hop group made up of young MOVE members, some of whom are children of political prisoners (the MOVE 9). Their politically and spiritually motivated lyrics express their vision of a better world. - Sovereign Nations Singers - Singing and drumming

Sunday, November 14, 1999 MY LIFE IS MY SUNDANCE

Location: Lafayette Square for the Sunrise Ceremony Indoor Location TBA soon for the book reading

Schedule: 6:30 am Sunrise Ceremony led by Arvol Looking Horse and David Chief 12:00 - 4:00pm Book Reading from Leonard Peltier's recently released book Prison Writings, My Life Is My Sun Dance-location to be announced soon.

Readers: - Harvey Arden is the editor of Leonard Peltier's new book, Prison Writings, My Life Is My Sun Dance. He is also the author of Wisdom Keepers and Travels in a Stone Canoe. - Susan Harjo is a Cheyenne writer and the director of the Morning Star Institute. - Scott Momaday (invited-not confirmed) is a Pulitzer Prize winning author and the founder and chairman of the Buffalo Trust. - Jimmy Santiago Baca (invited-not confirmed) is a Chicano poet who is the author of Immigrants In Our Own Land, and, Working in the Dark: Reflections of a Poet of the Barrio - Sherman Alexie (invited-not confirmed) is Coeur d'Alene author who was the writer for the movie "Smoke Signals." He is also the author of best sellers, Reservation Blues and Indian Killer.

Traditional Cultural Presentations: - Sovereign Nation Singers - Presensia Latina Taino Dance Group

Monday, November 15, 1999 INDIGENOUS VOICES

Location: Lafayette Square

Schedule: 6:30 am Sunrise Ceremony 10am to 4pm Speakers:

- Arvol Looking Horse, Lakota from the Green Grass, Cheyenne River Reservation, South Dakota, is the Keeper of the Sacred Pipe. He is a world recognized Spiritual Leader and he has established, with other indigenous representatives, the World Peace and Prayer Day which is celebrated each June 21st.

- Lavon King is a resident of the Pine Ridge Lakota Nation and has done extensive research on treaty rights. She has used her knowledge to promote Native sovereignty and human rights.

- Susan Harjo, is a Cheyenne author. She is working with the Apache Survival Coalition, an organization led by San Carlos Apache Elder, Ola Cassadore-Davis. The Apache Survival Coalition advocates for the respect of Apache Religious Rights and for the protection of Mount Graham. This mountain, which is sacred to the Apache tradition, is currently being desecrated by the construction of an astrophysical complex which is being built by the University of Arizona, the Max Planck Institute (Germany), the Vatican and the Arcetri Observatory (Italy).

- Corbin Harney is an Elder and Spiritual leader of the Western Shoshone, a Native people indigenous to Idaho, Nevada, Utah, and California. Corbin is the author of The Way it Is: One Water, One Air, One Mother Earth. He does extensive traveling, educating people about important environmental issues and solutions.

- Ben Carnes (Chahta -Choctaw- Nation) is a former prisoner and a recognized advocate of Religious rights for Native prisoners. He is the Founder and director of the Center for the Alliance of Sovereign Native People, member of the National Native American Prisoners' Rights Advocacy Coalition, of the Interfaith Council on Prison Ministries and representative of the League of Indigenous Sovereign Nations. Ben is a long time supporter of Leonard Peltier and Standing Deer and a national spokesperson for the LPDC.

- Billy Tayac, is the hereditary chief of the Piscataway First Nation. He is the Co-founder of the League of Indigenous Sovereign Nations, an organization advocating self determination for Indigenous Peoples. Currently, he is heavily involved with issues surrounding ancestral burial grounds. Billy is a long time support of Leonard Peltier.

- Bear Lincoln (a Wailaki-Concow of the Round Valley Indian Nation) is a former Indigenous political prisoner. A California judge recently dismissed the charges against him, ending his four year ordeal in which he was accused of the capital murder of a deputy sheriff. Now that he is free, Bear Lincoln continues his struggle to expose police brutality and racism on the Round Valley Indian Reservation. He is asking for an independent investigation on the death of his close friend Leonard "Acorn" Peters, killed by the police. He is also advocating for the immediate release of Leonard Peltier and Mumia Abu Jamal.

- Delphine Red Shirt is an enrolled member of the Oglala Sioux Tribe. She is the author of Bead on an Anthill: A Lakota Childhood and she currently writes a column called "Outside Looking In" in the Indian Newspaper "Indian Country Today". She is the Chairperson of the NGO, Committee on the International Decade of the World's Indigenous Peoples.

- Art Montour, is a Kanienkehaka (Mohawk) traditionalist from the Akwesasne Mohawk Territory. He took part in the famous 1990, standoff in Kanesatake/Oka, Quebec, Canada. The Mohawks took a stand to protect the graves of their ancestors and their traditional land, which was threatened by the expansion of a golf course. Similar to the Wounded Knee occupation, the Oka crisis has become a symbol for the indigenous peoples from Canada. Art is continuing his struggle by carrying on the Mohawk tradition and language and by defending the sovereignty of the Mohawk Nation of Akwesasne.

- Bobby Castillo (Xicano/Apache) is an ex Marion Control Unit prisoner who met Leonard Peltier in prison. Since his release, he has committed himself to advocating for other prisoners (Leonard Peltier, Eddie Hatcher, Patrick Hooty Croy, Ramsey Muniz, Luis Rodriguez, Fernando Eros Caro, Randy Reeves, etc.). He is the International Spokesperson for the Leonard Peltier Defense Committee. He has presented Leonard's case to the United Nations, the European Parliament, and the Italian Parliament, and was vital in obtaining the European, Italian and Belgian Resolutions in support of freedom for Leonard Peltier.

- Sharon Venne is a Cree attorney who specializes in international law. Sheis a representative of the Confederation of Treaty 6 First Nations and of the Detcho Denendeh provisional government. Sharon is recognized internationally for her work at the United Nations - Working Group on Indigenous Peoples and for the adoption of the Draft Declaration for the Rights of Indigenous Peoples which is still under consideration. She is part of the advisory board of the LPDC. (invited-but not confirmed)

- Glenn Morris (Shawnee) is an attorney in international laws and a professor of Political Science at the Denver University. He is the director of the Fourth World Center for the Study of the Rights of Indigenous Peoples and the coordinator of AIM-Colorado. He has completed several studies about the rights of self-determination of .different Indigenous Peoples around the world. He is a member of the advisory board of the LPDC. (invited-but not confirmed)

- Rolland Pangowish, is an Anishinabe from Canada, a representative of the Assembly of First Nations, and a long time supporter of Leonard Peltier. He is the director of the Land Rights Unit for the AFN. He advocates for the respect of the different treaties signed between the First Nations and Canada. He has taken part and acted as a consultant in several land negotiations. He is also a representative of the AFN at the United Nations. He will be accompanied by Audrey Mayes, a Mic Mac from Canada who is currently the policy analyst at the Land Rights unit of the AFN. (invited-but not confirmed)

Music by: - Jesse Night Hawk is an Oneida folk musician who tours college campuses raising awareness about issues facing Indigenous peoples. - Paula Horn, Lakota, will be doing a song to honor the elders. (Paula Horn is the coordinator of World Peace and Prayer Day). - Eagle Heart Singers, Cree from Toronto, Canada

Tuesday, November 16, 1999 INFORMATION DISTRIBUTION

Location: Lafayette Square

Schedule: 6:30 am Sunrise Ceremony Entire Day: Information table and distribution of literature

Drum : EAGLE HEART SINGERS

Wednesday, November 17, 1999 VICTIMS OF FBI ABUSES

Location: Lafayette Square

Schedule: 6:30 am Sunrise Ceremony 6:00pm-9:00pm Indoor Location TBA soon

- Geronimo Ji Jaga (Pratt) was a former Minister of Defense of the Black Panther Party. He is a former political prisoner who was victimized by the FBI's COINTELPRO. After 27 years in prison in California institutions for a crime he did not commit and a long legal battle, Geronimo was finally released because his defense proved that the only so-called witness they had against him was in fact a FBI informer. Since his release, Geronimo continues his fight against the racism and injustice. He has committed himself to fight for the release of all political prisoners in the US, especially Mumia Abu Jamal and Leonard Peltier.

- Safiya Bukari is a former member of the Black Panther Party. She was a former political prisoner targeted by the FBI for her activities with the Black Liberation Army. While incarcerated, she helped found Mothers/Men Inside Loving Kids (MILK), a group dedicated to bridging the gap between parents serving long sentences and their children. She is co-coordinator of the New York based Free Mumia Abu Jamal Coalition and of the Jericho Movement, a national campaign to gain recognition and amnesty for all political prisoners in the United States.

- David Thibodeau survived the 1993 Waco catastrophe. Current documentation proves that the FBI gave falsified testimony in regard to the use of explosive tear gas canisters whose use could have contributed to the fatal fire. Survivors insist that it was the FBI's over reaction and wrong doings that lead to the death of the community members.

- Jean Ann Day, of the Ho-Chunk Nation, moved to Oglala in 1975 to support and protect the traditional people who had requested help from the American Indian Movement. She witnessed the shoot out aftermath on Pine Ridge, and survived the reign of terror. She is a National spokesperson for the Leonard Peltier Defense Committee.

- Representative from Earth First! (Daryl Cherney or Karen Pickett) Daryl Cherney and Judi Bari, effective labor and environmental activists of Earth First!, were the victims of an explosion which occurred as the result of a bomb that was planted in their car. FBI and police falsified key evidence which covered up their possible involvement in the planting of the bomb. Judi Bari was permanently paralyzed and recently died of cancer.

- Ward Churchill is the author of Agents of Repression, The FBI's Secret Wars Against the Black Panther Party and the American Indian Movement and the COINTELPRO Papers. He is a Professor of Political Science and he is the Director of the Educational Development Program at the University of Colorado/Boulder. Along with Glenn Morris, he coordinates the Colorado chapter of the American Indian Movement. He also works with Winona LaDuke to coordinate the Institute for Natural Progress.

- Attorney Bruce Ellison, has represented Leonard Peltier since his trial in 1977. He was a member of the Wounded Knee Legal Defense/Offense Committee and he witnessed the reign of terror on the Pine Ridge Reservation during the 70's. He is well versed in the FBI's secret war against the American Indian Movement. He is a National Spokesperson for the LPDC (invited-but not confirmed).

- Ramona Africa is the sole adult survivor of the 1985 MOVE bombing in which 6 children and 5 adults were killed. The Philadelphia police in conjunction with the FBI, dropped a fire bomb from a helicopter on the MOVE home after they refused to come out. They then allowed the fire to burn down every house on the entire block.

Thursday, November 18, 1999 INFORMATION DISTRIBUTION

Location: Lafayette Square Schedule: 6:30 am Sunrise Ceremony Entire Day: Information table and distribution of literature Drum : EAGLE HEART SINGERS

Friday, November 19, 1999 INFORMATION DISTRIBUTION

Location: Lafayette Square Schedule: 6:30 am Sunrise Ceremony Entire Day: Information table and distribution of literature Drum : EAGLE HEART SINGERS

Saturday, November 20, 1999 INFORMATION DISTRIBUTION

Location: Lafayette Square Schedule: 6:30 am Sunrise Ceremony Entire Day: Information table and distribution of literature Drum : SOVEREIGN NATIONS SINGERS

Sunday, November 21, 1999 PEOPLE OF FAITH FOR JUSTICE

Location: Lafayette Square Schedule: 6:30 am Sunrise Ceremony

Speakers: Sammi Toineeta, National Council of Churches Thom Whitewolf Fassett, United Methodist Church Episcopal Bishop Charleston (More to be announced)

Drum : SOVEREIGN NATIONS SINGERS

Monday, November 22, 1999 INFORMATION DISTRIBUTION

Location: Lafayette Square Schedule: 6:30 am Sunrise Ceremony Entire Day: Information table and distribution of literature; noon speeches by DC area Elders (coordinated by John Steinbach, Gray Panthers and Veterans for Peace - 703-369-7427 (phone), 703-392-5045 (fax), jsteinbach@igc.apc.org

Tuesday, November 23, 1999 WOMEN FOR JUSTICE

Location: Lafayette Square

Schedule: 6:30 am Sunrise Ceremony 10:00am-4:00pm Speakers:

- Pemina Yellow Bird, of the Hidatsa and Arikara tribes (from the three affiliated tribes-Mandan, Hidatsa, and Arikara Nation of the Berthold Reservation in North Dakota), has been a reburial activist for 15 years and is one of her tribe's NAGPRA representatives. She has played a significant role in the fight for Native burial rights and in doing so, she has contributed to major changes in legislative policies. She has four children and four grandchildren and is married to Michael Yellow Bird.

- Kahn-Tineta Horn is a long time Mohawk activist from Kahnawake territory in Canada. She took part in the 78 days stand off at Kanesatake/Oka in 1990. She is the Director of the Canadian Alliance in Solidarity with Native Peoples and she coordinated the Free Wolverine Campaign.

- Jean Ann Day, of the Ho-Chunk Nation, moved to Oglala in 1975 to support and protect the traditional people who had requested help from the American Indian Movement. She witnessed the shoot out aftermath on Pine Ridge, and survived the reign of terror. She is a National spokesperson for the Leonard Peltier Defense Committee.

- Jennifer Harbury is a Harvard trained lawyer. She is the author of Bridge of Courage and Searching for Everardo. She has done extensive human rights work with Indigenous peoples of Guatemala and through out the world. Her husband was a Commandante of the guerrilla in Guatemala who was disappeared and later killed by the Guatemalan government in conjunction with the CIA. In a desperate search to find her missing husband, Jennifer launched a major grass roots political campaign in order to get answers from the Guatemalan and United States government. She has gained immense and invaluable experience through her efforts and she has now dedicated herself to seeking freedom for Leonard Peltier.

- Representative of the Indigenous Women's Network (invited). The Indigenous Women's Network (IWN) was created to further the empowerment of Indigenous women, their families, communities, and Nations within the Americas and the Pacific Basin. IWN will educate and advocate for revitalization of Indigenous languages and cultures, protection of religious and cultural practices, land recovery, and environmental protection, in the hope of eliminating all forms of oppression, attaining self-sufficiency and protecting Mother Earth.

- Deborah Peebles (Red Lake Chippewa Nation, Minesotta), is an artist and a strong advocate for Native American Prisoners. She works with the United Tribes Cultural Group in Leavenworth Penitentiary where she is helping Native inmates to keep their indigenous spirituality. She is a public speaker on Native spirituality and healing. She is a freelance writer and produces a weekly radio show. She is the director of "Native America Corrections Project" and of "Operation Morningstar", a non-profit Native assistance program.

- Minne Two Shoes is a journalist free lance writer and a former AIM member. She is a member of the Native American Journalist Asssociation (NAJA).

Traditional/Cultural presentation: - Deer Chaser is a Native American-Lakota dance troupe who do an educationally based stage production, which consists of Native American children 5 to 18 years of age from various bands of the Lakota Tribe's located throughout South Dakota. The production is under the direction of Marvin Clifford Sr., who is from the Oglala band of the Lakota. The nature of the program is both historical and contemporary, featuring specialty dances and songs that are inspired by ancient Native American traditions and philosophies. As each dancer performs, a narrator will guide the audience through the program to enhance their enjoyment and understanding, by interpreting the meanings of the dances, songs and regalia. Marvin Clifford has prepared a very special program to honor Indigenous women and Leonard Peltier for this event.

- Wayquay is an Anishinabe musical artist who blends hip hop, traditional music, blues, and poetry into an original sound and style. She has been nominated for five Native American Music Awards and will be a featured performer at the awards ceremony in November.

- The Colorado Sisters are Mayan from Mexico who do political satire with spoken word. Their animated and expressionate performances raise awareness about issues facing Indigenous Peoples with humor and dramatic impressions. They will be performing on the behalf of Leonard Peltier and speaking on the behalf of the Indigenous peoples of Chiapas.

Wednesday, November 24, 1999 GATHERING OF THE DRUMS

Location: Lafayette Square

Schedule: 6:30 am Sunrise Ceremony All Day drumming

Thursday, November 25, 1999 CLOSING OF THE LEONARD PELTIER FREEDOM MONTH

Location: Lafayette Square

Schedule: 6:30 am Sunrise Ceremony 5pm - 8pm Vigil and closing prayer ceremony

It's 1999, why is Leonard Peltier still in prison???

Leonard Peltier Defense Committee PO Box 583 Lawrence, KS 66044 Tel - 785-842-5774 Tel (temporary DC office)- 202-548 2408