Prison Writings: My Life Is My Sun Dance
Leonard Peltier
Apr 2016 · Macmillan + ORM
5.0star
16 reviewsreport
Ebook
208
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About this ebook
The Native American activist recounts his evolution into a political organizer, his trial and conviction for murder, and his spiritual journey in prison.
In September of 2022, twenty-five years after Leonard Peltier received a life sentence for the murder of two FBI agents, the Democratic National Committee unanimously passed a resolution urging President Joe Biden to release him. Peltier has affirmed his innocence ever since his sentencing in 1977—his case was made fully and famously in Peter Matthiessen’s bestselling In the Spirit of Crazy Horse—and many remain convinced he was wrongly convicted.
A wise and unsettling book, Prison Writings is both memoir and manifesto, chronicling Peltier’s life in Leavenworth Prison in Kansas. Invoking the Sun Dance, in which pain leads one to a transcendent reality, Peltier explores his suffering and the insights it has borne him. He also locates his experience within the history of the American Indian peoples and their struggles to overcome the federal government’s injustices.
Edited by Harvey Arden, with an introduction by Chief Arvol Looking Horse, and a preface by former Attorney General Ramsey Clark.
Praise for Prison Writings
“It would be inadequate to describe Leonard Peltier’s Prison Writings as a classic of prison literature, although it is that. It is also a cry for help, an accusation against monstrous injustice, a beautiful expression of a man’s soul, demanding release.” —Howard Zinn, author of A People’s History of the United States
“For too long, both Leonard’s supporters and detractors have seen him as a metaphor, as a public figure worthy of political rallies and bumper stickers, but very rarely as a private man who only wants to go home. I pray this book will bring Leonard home.” —Sherman Alexie, author of Indian Killer
In September of 2022, twenty-five years after Leonard Peltier received a life sentence for the murder of two FBI agents, the Democratic National Committee unanimously passed a resolution urging President Joe Biden to release him. Peltier has affirmed his innocence ever since his sentencing in 1977—his case was made fully and famously in Peter Matthiessen’s bestselling In the Spirit of Crazy Horse—and many remain convinced he was wrongly convicted.
A wise and unsettling book, Prison Writings is both memoir and manifesto, chronicling Peltier’s life in Leavenworth Prison in Kansas. Invoking the Sun Dance, in which pain leads one to a transcendent reality, Peltier explores his suffering and the insights it has borne him. He also locates his experience within the history of the American Indian peoples and their struggles to overcome the federal government’s injustices.
Edited by Harvey Arden, with an introduction by Chief Arvol Looking Horse, and a preface by former Attorney General Ramsey Clark.
Praise for Prison Writings
“It would be inadequate to describe Leonard Peltier’s Prison Writings as a classic of prison literature, although it is that. It is also a cry for help, an accusation against monstrous injustice, a beautiful expression of a man’s soul, demanding release.” —Howard Zinn, author of A People’s History of the United States
“For too long, both Leonard’s supporters and detractors have seen him as a metaphor, as a public figure worthy of political rallies and bumper stickers, but very rarely as a private man who only wants to go home. I pray this book will bring Leonard home.” —Sherman Alexie, author of Indian Killer
Ratings and reviews
5.0
16 reviews
Stella Trinity
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November 25, 2021
I love Leonard Peltier, not him personally, i understand. I pray for his freedom because of what he fought FOR. Funny how we are all connected. Those that believe will soon outweigh the ones who don't. America still has a chance to face their own shame and walk alongside all those hurt. In U.N.I.T.Y. To heal the scab or rip it off. Leonard Peltier represents American TRUE history. NO hiding it any longer. BE PROUD. BE BRAVE. BE ALL the english words it 'alledgedly claim to be! Embrace your peoples cultural diversity and ENPOWER not only people but humanity. FInd courage and take the lead by setting this man free to live and love amongst the people and home he once knew BEFORE he crosses over one last time to the other side. MIiigwetch. THIS IS WHAT NEEDS TO BE IN SCHOOLS.
Theresa Bill
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May 9, 2024
this book made me feel pride in my native brother's words and I could feel his pain and his sorrow in every word that he writes. I can relate to his words of wisdom because I am a native American woman myself . I pray for his release back to us where he belongs free and with his people once again . I take pride in what he is standing for and for all the spirit that is so strong within him . I want to tell him to never give up on himself and we out here will never give up on him and his fight for his freedom . We will never forget him for the stand that he is making for all the native people nation wide. be strong my brother I wish all my prayers will give you a little bit more strength that will help you in your time in need while in this unjustly imprisonment because we know that you are NOT GUILTY . AND I WANT TO THANK YOU FOR THE HONOR TO READ YOUR BOOK. BE Strong MY BROTHER I AM WITH YOU IN SPIRIT BECAUSE YOU ARE MY HERO. FROM YOUR NATIVE SISTER AND FRIEND AND Follower Theresa M. BILL..
Michelle StGermaine
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April 1, 2024
I have never heard a better description of hell.
About the author
Leonard Peltier emerged as a Native American leader in the 1960s, was arrested in 1976 in Canada and extradited. He has been in prison ever since and is now confined at Leavenworth. Prison Writings is his first book.
Harvey Arden is the author and co-author of several books, including Wisdomkeepers and Travels in a Stone Canoe (both with Steve Wall) and Noble Red Man. He lives in Washington, D.C.
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