Supporters of Leonard Peltier calling for his release spent the parole hearing outlining his reentry plan and what his release would mean for Indian country.
The parole board is expected to decide by early July.
Nick Tilsen, the president and CEO of NDN Collective, was one of two witnesses who testified in favor of Peltier’s release at a parole hearing on Monday.
Peltier is serving two life sentences in federal prison after being convicted for taking part in a fatal shootout between American Indian Movement members and FBI agents on the Pine Ridge Reservation in 1975.
Tilsen said the fight for Peltier’s release is an uphill battle. But, he said he left the parole hearing with a little hope.
“One of the reasons why we fight for Leonard so fiercely is that how Leonard was treated during his prosecution and continued prosecution is consistent with how they have treated Indian people throughout history,” Tilsen said.
Tilsen said NDN Collective has purchased a house for Peltier on the Turtle Mountain Reservation in North Dakota, where Peltier is enrolled.
He said he outlined Peltier’s reentry plan, including helping Peltier get signed up for programming services through IHS, community health as well as building a sweat lodge near the home.
Kevin Sharp, Peltier’s lawyer, said if parole is approved, he expects an appeal from those opposed to his release. Then, he said, Peltier would start reentry.
“Leonard would likely be transferred to a medical facility while we work on getting the process inside the Bureau of Prisons taken care of. Could likely take months to get him out," Sharp said. "If it is denied, then our next step is to appeal to the national appeal board.”
If they lose the parole hearing, Sharp said it could take years to appeal through the courts.
“Any appeal of any case ends up taking way too long,” Sharp added.
Peltier’s supporters feel time is of the essence. Sharp said Peltier’s health is failing. His next parole hearing would be in 15 years, which, he said, Peltier likely would not make it to.
Those opposed to Peltier’s release say he has not earned parole and should serve out his two life sentences.
