After nearly 50 years of unjust incarceration, Leonard Peltier—America’s longest-incarcerated Native political prisoner—has finally been granted clemency by President Joe Biden. Leonard’s release date is set for February 18th, but we are all hoping he will be freed even sooner. This marks the end of decades of systemic injustice, but it also highlights the need for accountability and healing.
In this emergency episode of the 7th Generation Podcast and Dr. B Teaches, we explore Leonard Peltier’s incredible story: from his traumatic childhood in federally funded boarding schools, where he endured physical and emotional abuse designed to erase his culture and identity, to his role in the American Indian Movement (AIM), where he became a leader in the fight for Native sovereignty.
We’ll dive into the tragic events at Pine Ridge Reservation during the 1970s, a period known as the ‘Reign of Terror.’ During this time, over 60 Native people were murdered, and their families are still waiting for justice. We’ll also discuss Leonard’s deeply flawed trial, marred by FBI misconduct, fabricated evidence, and constitutional violations—facts even the U.S. government later admitted. Despite maintaining his innocence and decades of calls for clemency from global leaders like Nelson Mandela, Bishop Desmond Tutu, and Pope Francis, Leonard has endured almost five decades behind bars.
This podcast also addresses the controversy surrounding Leonard’s alleged involvement in the murder of Anna Mae Aquash, a Mi’kmaq activist whose death remains a source of pain and unanswered questions in Indian Country. While Leonard has consistently denied involvement, the conversation about justice for Anna Mae and the other victims of the Reign of Terror must continue.
Leonard Peltier’s clemency is not just a legal decision—it’s a powerful moment in the fight for justice and healing for Native people. But it’s also a reminder of the work that remains. This episode calls for accountability for the victims of the Reign of Terror, support for Anna Mae’s family, and continued advocacy for Indigenous rights and sovereignty.
Let’s celebrate Leonard’s upcoming freedom while staying committed to the ongoing fight for justice in Indian Country.
Follow Me on Social Media for More Content Like This:
🎙️ Podcast: 7th Generation Podcast
🎥 YouTube: Dr. B Teaches – Dive into Indigenous history, sociology, and justice.
📱 TikTok: @mercilesssavagez – Quick, impactful insights on Native issues and history.
📸 Instagram: @7thgenpodcast – Stay updated on podcast episodes and community work.
📧 Email: [email protected]
source
❤️Finally going home! ❤️Solidarity!
Some one has covered Anne and Leonard lately. The information he had about where Leonard was at the time of Anne's murder is that Leonard was incognito. He was being secreted towards Canada and had no communication with Pine Ridge or A I.M. I will try to find the channel.
God Bless, from High Springs Florida.
Thanks. This is great news! I remember Peltier from the early '70's. Find Eric Clapton's "Anna Mae."
FREEDOM!!!
I’m so happy for Leonard’s release, it’s come far too late but I wish him peace and happiness for as many years he has left. 🙏🏽
Wado! Thank you! 🙌🏼
marie brave bird wrote about these events in her book "lakota woman".
Yes 🙌🏽
AIM was an organization full violent members; leonard crow dog's file was released by the FBI citing incidences where he beat other natives at his home. Not to mention Ray Robinson was last seen at wounded knee… what happened to him?
Thanks for presenting the history. Most of the people I knew were following all this on the west coast back then. And, thanks for the info on the book "Lakota Woman." If you know of any other good books on AIM and the events that led to Leonard's incarceration, maybe you could post them sometime. My family is from S.D., not far from Pine Ridge–my dad grew up in a sod house (now under water) near the current site of the Oahe Dam–he was white but not racist–thanks again–Anne Leonard
Thank you Dr. B even though it has been so long, we can be happy that Leonard is coming home!!! That the last faces he sees are his people and family. That man is going to have a beautiful reward for all he endured. He was painted a scapegoat to take the fall of something he did not do. Justice to all involved. Leonard is coming home!👏🏽👏🏽🙌🏽🙌🏽✊🏽🪶💯
Thank you speaking truth & facts, the U.S. government has hate for our people as we stand in the way of their for profit motive, their money gods & their quest on removing us from remaining Indigenous homelands. We need immediate action in the spirit of all brave warriors who gave their lives to make sure our true communal socialist society in balance with all Mother Earth, Father Sky, Animals & Sea Life reaches all the future generations.- in unity with all supporters – kwakwai Duwha Eh.
Thank you for keeping this channel going. Sometimes it feels like two steps forward and one step back, but that's still one step forward right?
Thank you
So glad he was freed
the brothers took Anne
All I know is a woman was brutally murdered. Murdered by members of the group who was supposed to protect her.
The US government owes Leonard and all Indigenous/non-Anglo people justice but doubt any restitution will ever be considered..😢 Blessings to Leonard and all who have fought the good fight
Im thankful for his release and i think its bullshit that he is under house arrest. Im a white man and im all for you brother.
I’m glad Peltier is returning. Maybe he can save us from Trump and ICE that are rounding up Indigenous people and deporting them to south of the equator.
hi dr b. i like the way you present info. do you have an idea who killed the agents? while i'm no fan of the fbi, peltier seems like a pretty good suspect. maybe i'm missing something.
peace
Very good video and thank you for your thoughts and knowledge.
One thing that was inaccurate was your mention of Alcatraz. That was not AIM. although a couple members who would eventually help lead AIM went to Alcatraz, that wasn't the AIM movement.
You are not from my reservation which is pine ridge.
Despite all that has happened on my reservation nothing has changed tribal council is still corrupt, still ravaged by drugs and alcohol. No apologized to the people of wounded knee for the destruction of that community and the so-called reign of terror was just drunken gun fights between aim people and goons.
Everyone was drunk all the time.
Wilson was reelected because he bought his votes with wino wine and no body refused not even the aim members.
So! No nothing has changed. The BIA is still there, tribal government is still there, and we are still wards of the government.
What has changed…. Nothing!
Biden should have pardoned all native Americans and released us from being imprisoned by the government as "Wards" of the government. How come natives don't see this? Am I the only native grown up.
GREAT WORK 👍 😊
… I’m gone cook arack o’ribs n honor😢.. in your honor ❤❤❤
The fact that Ms. Squash was killed only a couple of months after Peltier was arrested for the reservation murders is suspicious enough, maybe she knew something that she was willing to reveal regarding Leonard's innocence.
Given the FBI's overall conduct in the case, the idea that it silenced her is reasonable speculation.
A similar situation existed back in 1963 when, two days after JFK was assassinated, the accused was himself murdered.
Following the JFK event,, the flimsy evidence against Oswald had to be bolstered by accusing him of murdering a cop, being a Castro/Soviet sympathizer, taking a potshot at Gen. Walker, and being involved in the 1960 U-2 sabotage.
Talk about Bad Luck ….
Soo the same treatment trump got. Got it thanks