During that time period all of our tribes were suffering extremely from poverty and neglect. And the reason I say neglect is because the U.S. Government was neglecting its true responsibilities they agreed to in exchange for our land and resources. What I and others attempted to do, and in essence we did, was bring attention to our sovereign rights, the rights we had retained when the treaties were made.
Leonard PeltierI donโt know how to save the world. I donโt have the answers or The Answer. I hold no secret knowledge as to how to fix the mistakes of generations past and present. I only know that without compassion and respect for all of Earthโs inhabitants, none of us will surviveโnor will we deserve to.
Leonard PeltierMy supporters and family have limited resources, very limited resources; but the FBI has the unlimited resources of the most powerful government in the world today. It's amazing that they haven't successfully had me assassinated since I have been in here. There have been plots uncovered in the past that I know of to have me killed.
Leonard PeltierAIM in essence is a movement rather than just an organization. It is a manifestation of the desperation of our people.
Leonard PeltierThe United States government can indict you on something, and now you've got to prove your innocence. And that's not the Constitution of the United States.
Leonard PeltierThere is probably a high percentage of Native Americans as well as non-Indians who feel that participating in this greater American economy that you mentioned is and has become a recipe for disaster in the long term, because the response to social and environmental problems has been responded to with a drug mentality, which is to say, anything for the quick fix. And it has trained the public to always believe they are one purchase away from happiness.
Leonard Peltier