A message from Leonard Peltier:
Greetings my Relatives, Friends, & Supporters:
I was thinking about the national holiday “ Thanksgiving” the other day. I won’t even go into what a horrible shame this American holiday is based on. Instead, I will just let it remind me of the common bond I have with all my brothers and sisters of the Earth. Even if Thanksgiving, the holiday, is based on an incorrect portrayal of history. The concept of being Thankful, is a universal truth. I mean, lets face it, being thankful/grateful has been part of Indian Nations much longer than the invention of a holiday. I admit there are days in here when I find it very hard to be thankful, but it does not take much to bring it back for me. Most days, I get cards and letters from people all over the world, sometimes I can even smell the soil, the pines, and sometimes even fry bread in the paper that is sent to me. I hear stories of your lives, your troubles, your children, your jobs. oh there is some word for what I am trying to say but I don’t remember it, but I get a sense of life through all of you, and I am thankful for that. I often want to reach out and help you sometimes. I would love to come work on your cars or help you build sweat lodge, or even just mow the lawn. I miss helping people and I hate asking for help, which it seems, is all I do. In here, I am able to focus on the simple things in life. You have no idea how cool it is to just get a new pair of socks. In the last few months I have really been feeling my age, and I am so very thankful for all the support you have all given me. I won’t lie, it has been a rough time lately, but I am hopeful that is changing.
Native American Activist and Member of the American Indian Movement: Leonard Peltier Case
