pelt

Activist Communique: Twenty-first Annual Traditional Vigil for Leonard Peltier, Toronto, Canada

The Deets: 

Thursday February 6, 2014

1:00 pm – 7:00 pm

United Steelworker’s Hall

25 Cecil Street

Toronto

 

The Call Out:

The Leonard Peltier Defense Committee Canada (LPDCC) invites you to attend the 21st Annual Traditional Prayer Vigil and Feast in honour of the People’s Struggle to free Leonard Peltier, North America’s longest-serving, native political prisoner. The day commemorates Leonard’s sacrifice of 38 years of false imprisonment from the date of his arrest in Canada. 

Leonard Peltier was wrongfully convicted in the deaths of two FBI agents, following his false extradition from Canada to the U.S. in 1976. No evidence exists to support his conviction. On the contrary, there’s massive evidence of wrongdoing and complicity. Yet, Leonard’s appeals continue to be denied.

On October 25, 2000, the Hon. Justice Fred Kaufman, Q.C., concluded that Leonard should never have been extradited. Canadians have a duty to correct a terrible wrong by supporting a humanitarian appeal to the federal government and executive clemency to President Obama. Join us in our search for justice. The truth and the will of the people will set Leonard Peltier free!

This day is an opportunity to raise consciousness on Leonard’s ongoing political imprisonment, representative of the injustices still present in the U.S and Canada. On the 6th, we pray that we take care of one another as we are in a time of action and voice for Indigenous rights, Treaty rights and Land rights. 

Please join us with a Good Mind to learn more about Leonard Peltier’s long struggle for justice, to hear updates on the clemency campaign & Canadian initiatives, to discuss current issues in Canada & gather in prayer and ceremony. 

For more information, contact Anne and Frank, or if you are interested in providing volunteering support. Email: [email protected]. Or, leave a message at 416-439-1893 or 416-992-6174.

Vigil Elder & Drum:
Bruce Elijah, Elder & Faithkeeper, Oneida Nation

Chippewa Travellers – Aniishinaabeg Family Drum, Neyaashingaming F.N. (Cape Croker)

Community Women Singers

SPEAKERS: 

 
Kenneth Deer, Mohawk Nation, Director, Indigenous World Association-NGO

Frank Dreaver, Mistawasis Plains Cree, LPDCC Founder, Canadian and Int’l Defense since 1983 

Paulette D’auteuil, Int’l-U.S. LPDC spokesperson

Michael Kuzma, Esq., Leonard Peltier’s Attorney 

Lee Maracle, Celebrated Salish/Cree Author, Prof., First Nations House, University Of Toronto

Fred Hahn, President, CUPE Ontario

Joanne Webb, CUPE/OFL representative (Aboriginal Circle)
Dave Bleakney, CUPW-STTP Representative 

Maria Elena Mesa, Natasha Ksonzek & Steve Hall (singer-songwriter) of the People’s Poetry, Music & Art Festival and Collective

 

#30#

 

Krystalline Kraus

krystalline kraus is an intrepid explorer and reporter from Toronto, Canada. A veteran activist and journalist for rabble.ca, she needs no aviator goggles, gas mask or red cape but proceeds fearlessly...