Democracy Now! Audio Democracy Now! 2025-11-27 Thursday
Nov 27, 2025
Leonard Peltier, a prominent Indigenous activist who spent nearly 50 years in prison, shares his experiences following his commutation to home confinement. He discusses the emotional moment of leaving prison and his journey into art during incarceration. Joining him is his daughter, Marquita Shields Peltier, who reflects on the challenges of growing up visiting her father behind bars. Together, they highlight the ongoing struggles for Indigenous rights and environmental stewardship, emphasizing the importance of resilience and activism for future generations.
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Leaving A Cubicle After Half A Century
- Leonard Peltier described leaving a tiny prison cubicle after nearly 50 years and stepping into a donated home he calls his own.
- He contrasted prison life with relief at small freedoms like not sleeping in a cold cell or smelling the cell bathroom.
Global Pressure Moved A Last‑Day Commutation
- Peltier traced decades of stalled clemency efforts and global pressure culminating in Biden's last-day commutation to home confinement.
- He emphasized international, tribal, religious and congressional campaigns as decisive factors in that outcome.
Boarding School As First Imprisonment
- Peltier recalled being taken to Wapeton boarding school at age nine where hair was buzzed, language banned and DDT was poured over children.
- He called the boarding school his first imprisonment and said beatings were routine for speaking his language.
