Activist Communiqué: 19th Annual Traditional Prayer Vigil Forum and Feast for Leonard Peltier
The Deets:
Monday, February 6, 2012
Ontario Institute for Studies in Education, oISE
University of Toronto
Bloor and St. George
Toronto, ON
The Call Out:
Frank and Anne Dreaver of the Canadian Human Rights Committee for Justice and Freedom for Leonard Peltier (formerly LPDCC) and the Indigenous Education Network (IEN) of OISE/UT invite you to attend the 19th Annual Traditional Prayer Vigil in honour of the people’s struggle to free Leonard Peltier, North America’s longest-serving, Indigenous political prisoner. February 6 commemorates Leonard’s sacrifice of 36 years of false imprisonment.
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 is massive evidence of wrongdoing and complicity.
Despite this, Leonard’s numerous appeals continue to be denied. On October 25, 2000, the Hon. Justice Fred Kaufman, Q.C., concluded that Leonard should never have been extradited from Canada on the basis of what was discovered to be fabricated evidence.
Canada has played a large role in Leonard’s case, and has a duty to correct its wrong by supporting a humanitarian appeal to the Canadian government, and a request for clemency to President Obama. Join us in our search for justice. The truth and support of the people will one day set Leonard Peltier free!
SPEAKERS, DISCUSSION, PRAYERS, FEAST AND DRUMMING TO TAKE PLACE ON THE 7TH FLOOR, PEACE LOUNGE OF THE OISE BUILDING.
DOCUMENTARY FILM SCREENING AT OISE IN THE MORNING:
FILMS: “Warrior, the Life of Leonard Peltier” (1992/85 min)
“Voice for Freedom, the Leonard Peltier Freedom Process,” (2001, 30 min)
7TH FLOOR/ROOM TBA
9:30 a.m. to 11:30 a.m.
19th ANNUAL TRADITIONAL VIGIL:
OPENING provided by Elder, Howard Elijah – Oneida Nation
DRUM: Chippewa Travellers, Aniishinaabeg Family Drum – Neyaashingaming First Nation (Cape Croker)
WELCOMING by Jean-Paul Restoule, Professor, OISE/UT for the Indigenous Education Network
TRADITIONAL FEAST will be provided for everyone at 5 p.m.
As is customary, bring a small gift for our Give-away at the end! We welcome families and children.
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SPEAKERS INCLUDE:
Frank Dreaver, Mstawasis Plains Cree, LPDCC Founder, Canadian and International Defense since 1983
Michael Kuzma, Esq. Leonard Peltier’s Attorney
Daire Irwin, Attorney, former director of N.Y. Civil Liberties Union (Western Region)
Antoinette Nora Claypoole, Author and Poet, “Ghost Rider Roads” Inside the American Indian Movement
Lee Maracle, Celebrated Salish/Cree Author, Professor, First Nations House, UT
Maria Elena Mesa-Mejia, Sunday Poetry
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SPECIAL GUESTS FROM THE CANADIAN LABOUR MOVEMENT:
Joanne Webb, Diversity VP to CUPE Ontario and to the Ontario Federation of Labour
Brian Barron, Diversity VP to the National Executive Board of CUPE National
Dave Bleakney, National Union Representative (Education), CUPW-STTP
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