Leonard Peltier honored on 81st birthday

The Indigenous Peoples Coalition commemorated the 81st birthday of activist Leonard Peltier on Saturday, Sept. 13, at the Unitarian Universalist Church of Nashville, according to People’s World. Peltier, a member of the Turtle Mountain Band of Chippewa Indians, was released from federal prison in February after serving 49 years and two months in prison. He is now under strict home confinement on the Turtle Mountain Reservation.

The celebration included updates from the International Leonard Peltier Defense Committee, noting Peltier had received cataract surgery and new dental work. Attendees discussed topics such as Tribal sovereignty and social justice issues. The event concluded with a birthday song, chants of “Happy Birthday, Leonard” and a cake reading “Happy 81st Birthday, Leonard Peltier,” according to People’s World.