Leonard Peltier reflects on freedom and future after nearly 50 years in prison
The Native activist and citizen of the Turtle Mountain Band of Chippewa plans to focus on combating youth substance abuse in his community.
Leonard Peltier, a Native activist and citizen of the Turtle Mountain Band of Chippewa, spoke to MPR News about his transition to life outside prison during an interview at his home in Belcourt, North Dakota. Peltier was released in February after President Joe Biden commuted his two life sentences related to the 1975 deaths of two FBI agents on the Pine Ridge Reservation.
Peltier, 80, described improved health and adjusting to life after nearly five decades behind bars. Despite bitterness over his conviction, he said he has no regrets standing up for his people, and he plans to focus now on combating youth substance abuse. Peltier expressed remorse about the agents' deaths but denied involvement in the shootings. He remains a prominent figure in Native activism and is known as one of the longest-serving political prisoners in the U.S.