‘Free Leonard Peltier’ Review: Engaging Doc About Activist Accused of Killing Two FBI Agents in 1975 Is Timelier Than Ever

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The documentary titled “Free Leonard Peltier,” an engaging and at times enraging exploration into the life of the American Indian Movement activist who was convicted decades ago for murdering two FBI agents, made its debut at the Sundance Film Festival on January 27, 2025. Interestingly, this premiere coincided with one of Joe Biden’s final acts as U.S. President, where he commuted Peltier’s life sentences, just a week prior.

The short concluding scene of the movie appears to be an added finale after the main production, however, it can be overlooked as it delivers a powerful and heartwarming impact, serving as a perfect and deserved conclusion for a tale that undeniably deserves its optimistic ending.

The narrative being discussed has been adapted for the big screen on two separate occasions: First, serving as the real-life basis for the fictional elements of the 1992 drama “Thunderheart,” directed by Michael Apted and featuring Val Kilmer and Graham Greene; secondly, as the critically acclaimed documentary “Incident at Oglala,” also helmed by Apted and released in 1992, with Robert Redford providing the narration.

Justice for Leonard Peltier: A Chapter in America’s Shameful History with Native Peoples”

This piece doesn’t just focus on the case of Leonard Peltier, but rather places it within the broader context of America’s troubled past involving exploitation, betrayal, and even murder of Native Americans. Directors Jesse Short Bull and David France meticulously weave together archival footage, new interviews, and startling public records to create a powerful educational experience that is also an insightful and comprehensive portrayal of Peltier himself.

From a young age, Peltier suffered harsh mistreatment and was forcibly assimilated at a government-operated Indian boarding school. This experience, along with events like the 1969-71 Alcatraz occupation by Native American activists, radicalized him. Later, he became part of the American Indian Movement in the early ’70s. His political activities led him to the Pine Ridge Indian Reservation in South Dakota, where he supported locals and AIM members amidst their sometimes violent disputes with Richard Wilson, a corrupt tribal leader, and his self-proclaimed vigilantes, known as the Guardians of the Oglala Nation, or colloquially as the “GOON Squad.”

(It is noted that this paramilitary group took pride in, and feared, their nickname.)

The FBI equipped the GOONs with firearms and occasionally shielded them from legal scrutiny regarding illicit actions. Wilson, known for his long-standing campaigns of fear against AIM activists and others who opposed him, openly admitted this in a short, chilling news clip (see it here). However, the violence drew minimal national attention until a fateful night in 1975 when two FBI agents, Ronald Arthur Williams and Jack Ross Coler, entered the reservation while pursuing a suspect. They were both fatally wounded, leading to the indictment of four Native Americans: Peltier, Bob Robideau, Dino Butler, and Jimmy Eagle. Only Peltier was found guilty and sentenced to two life sentences in federal prison.

I stand here advocating for the release of Leonard Peltier, a man who I firmly believe was wrongfully convicted. His trial appears to have been tainted due to the intense anger felt by local and government officials following the “not guilty” verdicts given to Robideaux and Butler, who maintained they acted in self-defense.

The jury seemed to understand that, amidst all the GOON violence, American Indian Movement activists might have felt justified in taking swift action if strangers suddenly appeared on their land without warning. This perspective, unfortunately, may have influenced the outcome of Peltier’s trial.

As a passionate cinephile recounting events, I can’t help but feel that during Peltier’s individual trial, nothing remotely similar transpired. The federal and local authorities seemed to have orchestrated an intricate game by strategically choosing judges, concealing evidence, undermining the self-defense argument, and even presenting a damning statement from a woman who was later revealed to be Peltier’s “girlfriend.” (She would later confess that she was coerced into providing false testimony under the threat of losing her children.)

Since his 1976 conviction, Peltier has been living as a guest within the federal prison system. Despite significant backing from figures like Marlon Brando (as shown here in an old clip advocating on “The Dick Cavett Show”) and even the Pope, along with numerous public demonstrations led by Native Americans and their supporters, as well as later disclosures of serious FBI misconduct, Peltier and his legal team have consistently faced obstacles in their efforts to secure a retrial or pardon.

The great relief brought by Peltier’s pardon signifies an end to his prolonged period of distress. Yet, “Free Leonard Peltier” leaves no room for doubt that the delay in justice serves as a stark reminder of the grave injustice perpetrated. The closing moments may evoke smiles or tears, but anger will persist.

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2025-01-28 10:47