#nativeamericanactivist — Public Fediverse posts

Miami State Rep asks #Biden for clemency to handful of people, including survivors of domestic violence and human trafficking

By: Mitch Perry, January 18, 2025

"With just two days left in his presidency, Miami-Dade Democratic Rep. #DotieJoseph is calling on Joe Biden to extend clemency and pardons to a handful of individuals and groups who she says represent critical cases of injustice and unfairness.

"She’s calling for clemency for #LeonardPeltier, the #NativeAmericanActivist who was convicted of two counts of first-degree murder in the deaths of two FBI agents in a 1975 shooting on the Pine Ridge Indian Reservation in South Dakota. Peltier has been imprisoned for more than 48 years, with dozens of members of Congress urging his release. Peltier, 79, has maintained his innocence throughout his time in prison.

"She wants a presidential pardon for #MarilynMosby, state attorney for Baltimore from 2015 to 2013. Last May she was sentenced to 12 months of home confinement as part of a 36 month sentence of supervised release for making a false mortgage application and two counts of perjury.

"Joseph described Mosby in her letter as 'the courageous State Attorney whose politically motivated prosecution was pay-back for her efforts to hold accountable those responsible for the inexcusable death of #FreddyGray, who was killed while handcuffed in custody.'

"Joseph seeks a pardon for #StevenDonziger, an environmental and human rights attorney. Donziger won a $9.5 billion judgement against Chevron in an environmental lawsuit in Ecuador. He was sentenced to six months in jail in 2023 for failing to comply with a judge’s order to surrender all of his electronic devices, according to CNBC.

"Rep. Joseph is calling for a pardon for #survivors of #DomesticViolence and #HumanTrafficking who are 'incarcerated for desperate acts of #SelfDefense against their abusers, and doing so would redress the system’s failure to protect them and end their cycle of continued victimization.'

"Biden’s tenure in office ends at 11:59 am, Monday, Jan.20.

"Biden commuted the sentences of nearly 2,500 people convicted of nonviolent drug offenses on Friday morning."

https://www.islandernews.com/news/miami/miami-state-rep-asks-biden-for-clemency-to-handful-of-people-including-survivors-of-domestic/article_96808a2a-d5a4-11ef-a73f-f784dd7195a7.html
#FreeLeonardPeltier #FreeStevenDonziger #AmnestyForLeonardPeltier #ClemencyForLeonardPeltier

#Taos #ReggaeBand #IrieBellion Releases Powerful Single Advocating #ClemencyForLeonardPeltier

By Native News Online Staff
January 07, 2025

"Six-piece reggae band IrieBellion, based in #TaosNewMexico, has released a new single to advocate for the release of #LeonardPeltier, a #NativeAmericanActivist who has been imprisoned for nearly 50 years.

"'Leonard Peltier’s Song' features Grammy-winning flutist #RobertMirabal of Taos Pueblo and a traditional drum group composed of singers from several Indigenous nations. Through this collaboration, the band hopes to amplify calls for President Joe Biden to grant clemency to Peltier.

"The song blends IrieBellion’s reggae-inspired rhythms with Robert Mirabal’s signature flute playing and the traditional Indigenous drumming and singing of #JohnSwiftbird (#Lakota), #ChaskePacheco (#Dakota / #SantaDomingoPueblo), and #BrysonSanchez (Dakota / #SanFelipePueblo).

"The song makes a direct #PleaForJustice, with Davis crafting a chorus —'Do the right thing, let freedom ring/ ​It's been so long, let's right this wrong' — that appeals to #PresidentBiden to take action and right what the band views as a longstanding wrong.

"The musical advocacy for Peltier's case has a rich history in popular music. #RobbieRobertson (Mohawk), the legendary guitarist and songwriter of The Band, created a particularly powerful statement with his song 'Sacrifice', which incorporated Peltier's own voice through a recorded prison phone call with Robertson. Little Steven (#StevenVanZandt), known for both his work with Bruce Springsteen's E Street Band and his solo career, also contributed to this musical legacy with his own 'Leonard Peltier,' which, like IrieBellion's new release, used Caribbean rhythms to carry its message of justice.

"Peltier, a member of the Turtle Mountain Band of #Chippewa Indians, became involved in the American Indian Movement (#AIM) in the 1970s, a time of tension between Indigneous communities and the U.S. government.

AIM advocated addressing issues such as police brutality, treaty violations, and systemic inequality affecting Native Americans.

"Peltier’s case comes from a 1975 shootout on the Pine Ridge Reservation in South Dakota, where two FBI agents and a young Native man were killed. The shootout occurred during a period of violence on the reservation, often referred to as the '#ReignOfTerror,' when residents faced threats and attacks for their ties to AIM.

"Peltier was convicted in 1977 of killing the agents, but his trial has been widely criticized. Key evidence was withheld by the prosecution, including ballistics reports that could have supported his defense.

"Eyewitness testimony used to extradite Peltier from Canada was later recanted, with the witness stating they were coerced by the FBI. Even the U.S. attorney who handled the case has since admitted that no one knows who fired the fatal shots.

"Peltier has maintained his innocence for nearly five decades, and his case has been condemned by numerous human rights organizations, including #AmnestyInternational. Calls for his release have grown in recent years, with Peltier now in his late seventies and facing health challenges.

"'Leonard Peltier’s Song' is available on streaming platforms, including Spotify and Apple Music, and can also be found on IrieBellion’s HearNow page. The band encourages listeners to not only enjoy the song but also take action by learning about Peltier’s case, signing petitions, and contacting officials to advocate for his release.

"For those who want to learn more, organizations such as the International #LeonardPeltierDefenseCommittee provide resources and updates on efforts to secure his freedom."

https://nativenewsonline.net/arts-entertainment/taos-reggae-band-iriebellion-releases-powerful-single-advocating-clemency-for-leonard-peltier
#ACAB #FBI #AmericanindianMovement #PineRidge #FreeLeonardPeltier #AmnestyForLeonardPeltier #ClemencyForLeonardPeltier

TY to @peterjriley2024 for making me aware of this website.

Donations Accepted for the Family of #KleeBenally

Published 7 hours ago

on January 2, 2024

"The family extends their appreciation for the fierce outpouring of support. We cannot thank you enough. Ahééhéé.

"If you would like to make a donation, we are currently accepting them for a few immediate needs. These donations will ensure that he is returned to the earth through our cultural protocols and that the projects that he was recently working on & volunteering with can be financially eased.

- Donations for family expenses

Family expenses will be utilized for burial expenses.

- Donations for #TaalaHooghan expenses

Property related costs and utilities are due at Táala Hooghan. Donate here to help offest those costs.

- Donations for #HaulNo!

Klee was deeply involved in Haul No! to stimulate actions of resistance against #EnergyFuels’ #PinyonPlain / #CanyonMine #UraniumMine, Energy Fuels’ #WhiteMesaMill, and related transport.

- Cash donations can also be accepted in person.

"#IndigenousAction will continue the protection and fight for #MotherEarth & #HumanRights that Klee passionately fought for."

https://www.indigenousaction.org/donations-accepted-for-the-family-of-klee-benally/

#UraniumMining #FirstNations
#IndigenousAnarchist #KleeBenally #MutualAid #Dineh #IndigenousActivist #NativeAmericanActivist #FirstNations #Resistance #ClimateJustice #BigMountain #ClimateWarrior #LandDefender #MutualAid

#KleeBenally, #CulturalAdvocate and #LandDefender, dies at 48

By Kianna Joe | Dec 31, 2023

KINŁÁNÍ-DOOK’O’OOSŁÍÍD – "Klee Benally died the morning of Dec. 31, 2023. He was 48.

"Benally’s family will be having a family meeting later today to share a formal announcement of Benally’s life, according to an #IndigenousAction social media post.

"Benally was from #Dziłyíjiin, Arizona. He was from the Tódích’íi’nii and #WanderingPeople clans. He relocated to #Kinłání, where he proudly stood tall with Dook’o’oosłííd.

"In his last interview with the Navajo Times on Dec. 7, Benally credited his father, #JonesBenally, a respected and known #hataałii, who shared the #Diné traditions and culture with him.

"Klee Benally’s teachings growing up laid a foundation for who he was as a Diné and led to him fighting for the sacred Dook’o’oosłííd.

"'For Diné people, it represents a part of our cosmology and being,' Benally said on Dec. 7.
'Each mountain is a part of our creation account set forward for our boundaries, Diné Bikéyah, where we walk around.'

"Benally described the mountains as leaders that hold and share teachings for Diné.

"Countless comments from people who knew and followed Benally shared their sudden sadness but described Benally as a 'one-of-a-kind' wise son, brother, uncle, or grandpa.

"Along with fighting for sacred elements, Benally was an #artist in many mediums, writer, musician, and filmmaker.

"On Thursday, Dec. 21, Benally launched his book, '#NoSpiritualSurrender,' released in November.

"The book delves into Benally’s experience fighting for sacred places and why he does it to protect #nahasdzáán.

"Benally recounted the many times he had been #arrested in the Dec. 7 interview, along with tying himself to heavy machinery to send a message that he wasn’t going anywhere for the land’s sake.

"Benally’s work reflected his dedication and understanding of fighting for land and its #IndigenousPeoples.

"Benally worked endlessly for the community and land, which are grateful to have been protected by a dedicated Diné."

https://navajotimes.com/reznews/klee-benally-cultural-advocate-and-land-defender-dies-at-48/

#Dineh #BigMountain #IndigenousActivist #NativeAmericanActivist #FirstNations #IndigenousAnarchist #Resistance #ClimateJustice #ClimateWarrior

This hits home for me. I worked with Klee's family and provided #MutualAid when I was reporting on #BigMountainResistance years ago. My heart goes out to the Benally family and all those whose lives he touched. #RestInPower Klee. Link to fundraisers via #IndigenousAction at the end of the post.

Warrior #KleeBenally Never Surrendered: A Life of #RevolutionaryLove, Resounding '#RegainYourPower

by Brenda Norrell, #CensoredNews, January 2, 2024

"Our hearts are broken by the sudden passing of our friend Klee Benally. Reflecting on Klee's life, we remember the words of #CheGuevara that the true revolutionary is guided by great feelings of love.

"Klee never surrendered, he never surrendered to #capitalism, the media, or the forces of conformity that sought to change who he was.

"Ultimately, Klee taught us to regain our power, regardless of the road that led us to the present.

"#LouiseBenally, #Dine' of Big Mountain, said, 'Klee was our spokesman and leader. His departure only means we have to rise and carry on the work for justice for #nature and humanity. I will miss him Greatly and Honor him highly.'

"His roots come from Big Mountain, grandson of the late #RobertaBlackgoat.

"'He was an honorable young leader, well respected and moved with a lot of compassion. My nephew brother and my leader. A truly beautiful and amazing person who really lived up to his beliefs, and was not driven by money but by needs and concern, a real warrior.

"'He was our shining Star, he will continue to shine on us from the other side.

"'He always honored me, I will miss that,' Louise said.

"#MichelleCook, Dine', said, "We are deeply saddened and shocked by the news of the passing of our beloved warrior Klee Benally. We ask for prayers for his family during this time. For decades Klee led an uncompromising position, for the liberation of our peoples and lands developing and synthesizing an embodied praxis of #Indigenous-based political, economic, and social resistance against all forms of #SettlerColonialism that degrades people and the planet.

"Klee was our North Star guiding with his heart and mind. While some may not have shared his positions, no one can question his dedication, determination, and sheer drive to protect his people despite the risks and danger.

"He risked his life through forms of #CivilDisobedience and #DirectAction to protect our Dook’o’oosłiid, #HolyMountain, from development to maintain our ceremonial practices and way of life.

"Klee taught us all to be brave to fight against #genocide, the co-optation of our movements by the non-profit #IndustrialComplex. To be steadfast in what is right and wrong. To honor our ancient law and the sacred teachings of our ancestors and Grandmothers. His departure leaves a void in #DinehNation and #IndianCountry," Michelle said.

"Now with his absence from this material plane, we have no choice but to pick up his work, pick up the slack, carry on, and continue our journey as Dineh in a beautiful way.

"Klee's development and articulations of Indigenous peoples and archaism remain relevant for social movements within and outside of #TurtleIsland.

"He will forever remain in our hearts and minds as a guiding light and a growling voice, screaming freedom, for our earth and peoples. We love you Klee.

"Rest now our sacred warrior. Your work is done. We are so proud of the legacy you cultivated and left for this world. Journey well our sweet warrior until we meet again in the great Star Camp beyond," Michelle said.

"Klee passed to the Spirit World on Sunday, after being hospitalized.

"We send our sincere condolences to his family, his wife Princess, family Jones, Berta, Jeneda and Clayson, and all those who knew and loved him.

"From locking down in U.S. #BorderPatrol headquarters in Tucson, to chaining himself to equipment in defense of Sacred San Francisco Peaks, to battling the auctioneers of the sacred ceremonial items in Paris, and leading the #HaulNo movement to protect the #GrandCanyon region from #UraniumMining, to feeding the #unsheltered in Flagstaff, and standing strong for #Palestine, Klee's powerful actions remain a moving force to resound, and rivet us all, to struggle for a world without compromise.

"Klee recognized that the non-profit industry was designed to water down the resistance and turn the sacred movements into an ATM machine for a select few.

"Fly high, my sweet friend."

https://bsnorrell.blogspot.com/2024/01/warrior-klee-benally-never-surrendered.html

https://www.indigenousaction.org/donations-accepted-for-the-family-of-klee-benally/

#Dineh #IndigenousActivist #NativeAmericanActivist #FirstNations #IndigenousAnarchist #Resistance #ClimateJustice #ClimateWarrior