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Native Bidaské: Leonard Peltier Reflects on His First Year After Prison

Native News Online | August 13, 2026



What does liberty feel like after 49 years in prison?

On this episode of Native Bidaské, Leonard Peltier speaks publicly about his first year out of federal prison — and why his story is far from over.

After serving 49 years and two months behind bars, Peltier, now 81, is living in home confinement on the Turtle Mountain Reservation following a grant of clemency from Joe Biden, who signed the order as one of his final official acts in office. In this in-depth conversation with Levi Rickert, Peltier reflects on returning home, adjusting to life outside prison walls, and the serious health challenges he now faces.

But this conversation goes deeper.

Rickert asks Peltier about the upcoming America 250 anniversary marking the signing of the Declaration of Independence — and why he will not be celebrating. Peltier shares his perspective on U.S. history, Native sovereignty, and what independence has meant for Indigenous peoples.

He also weighs in on reports of U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) agents questioning and harassing Native Americans across the country — raising urgent concerns about civil rights, tribal citizenship, and federal authority.

This powerful interview explores:

Leonard Peltier’s life after prison and home confinement

Presidential clemency and its impact

Native American sovereignty and America 250

ICE encounters involving Native citizens

Health, resilience, and legacy

Donate to Leonard Peltier here:
https://www.lphawkmanii.org/donations

For nearly five decades, Peltier’s case has been one of the most debated in modern Native American history. Now, in his own words, he reflects on freedom, justice, and the future of Indian Country.

Watch the full episode of Native Bidaské and join the conversation.

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Written by Native News Online

Comments

This post currently has 47 comments.

  9. @colleenuchiyama4916

    August 13, 2026 at 9:19 pm

    I wrote letters to all our presidents, and even Queen Elizabeth, to get you released, Leonard. I’m so glad you’re finally home, albeit with your wings still clipped. Stay strong. We still need you.

    Reply
  11. @TheRezpensary

    August 13, 2026 at 9:19 pm

    I am proud to say I walked across the country in 1994 with Dennis Banks, Carter Camp and thousands of others that felt Leonard deserved to be free. It was called the Walk for Justice/Free Leonard Peltier. The experience changed my life and am a better person for it.

    Reply
  12. @191AZSeshVibes

    August 13, 2026 at 9:19 pm

    14 constitutional violations…. file the law suit we Dinay, Din'e Navajo stand united with you fully Leonard. 🫆👣🫂🦬🦅♦️♥️🔺️🔻🟥🔴🅰️ℹ️〽️

    Reply
  15. @harley475

    August 13, 2026 at 9:19 pm

    Hi. I’m white. 72. Gal. E South Dakota. Raised on a Farm.
    I can trust no Mainstream News.
    So much in News is lies.

    I Been sickly since b4 age 5. Hurt by Drs giving me Penicillin: continually given from b4 5 to 18-1/2. Drs gave me Stevens- Johnson Syndrome by poisoning me. At 18-1/2 my body could not take any more poison.
    I lost my skin, (skin comes back) my Immune System hurt.
    Drs. lost my Records Filled in FALSE REPORTS ( Drs. covered their own selves).
    GRACE of GOD Dr took all meds away to let me die in ‘71 – then I pulled thru!

    PRAISE THE Lord FOR YOUR Granddaughter 11 🙌 A SWIMMER.

    I always identified with Indians.
    Still do.
    I LOVE TRUMP.
    CAN’T trust damn News.
    When We learn TRUTH ABOUT TRUMP – learn how We been lied to — by evil Media — bought by evil Super- Rich.

    Ya PDJT had a Casino. He did INFILTRATION into Mafia Bosses. He & his Friend Rudy found INFO to PUT MOB BOSSES IN PRISON.

    NOW he’s been going after the evilest of evil folks— working —LED BY GOD’S Spirit —& RECRUITED BY GOOD GENERALS YEARS AGO TO LEAD USA – to SAVE PEOPLE BEING TRAFFICKED- bought & sold – for parts & slavery. [WHEN TRUTH COMES OUT WE WILL LEARN TRUMP has been working to SET US FREE FROM PHAROAHS OF TO DAY. ]

    “great & terrible day of the Lord “
    COMING MARCH 19 & 20.
    All evil Nephalim in blood (Gen 6)
    & humans that sold out to satan going to Disappear. (Joel 2:31). (Malach 3&4). [Father told Carolyn Dennis, One of His prophets, that more than the Millions & Millions of Nephalim disappearing that day —THAT A LARGER NUMBER OF REGULAR HUMANS WILL BE DYING THAT DAY — from accidents & fear. —FATHER SAID CLEAN UP WILL BE DONE QUICLY- Many will be HELPING. THEN GLORY DAYS FOR 7 years 🙌. PEOPLE WILL BE GIVEN BACK BY GOD ALL BEEN STOLEN FROM THEM. NO POVERTY ! 🕊&&& VERY BEST: BILLIONS OF PEOPLE WILL TURN TO JESUS, ASKING HIM TO SAVE THEM & OTHERS 🤗

    GROK – a Super Computer – proved AMAZING SUPER NATURE IF KJ BIBLE. NOT POSSIBLE BUT FOR GOD TO HAVE WRITTEN IT ‼️

    Praying for You All TO BE SAVED. GREAT day for those hiding in Jesus. Terrible day for Nephalim DISAPPEARING ON MARCH 19-20.
    THAT DAY the worst of evil folks going to be taken by GOD to place they won’t hurt any good People any more.

    Get in know. See Pastor Kent Christmas on You Tube. See Declaring Your Destiny International.

    No time to mess around w evil / dark spirits. LEAD CHILDREN TO JESUS. FORGIVE OTHERS ( forget how They STOLE) — Vengeance is the Lord’s ❗️👏. It’s hard but Lord’s Prayer is PERFECT.

    GOD FORGIVES US ONLY WHEN WE FORGIVE Others – & LET JESUS FORGIVE US. HE TOOK AWAY OUR GUILT – IF WE ACCEPT HIS LOVE.

    I ask FATHER , Some good Soul READ YOU THIS. HAVE SOMEONE READ YOU BOOK OF ENOCH.

    WE ARE ALL BROTHERS & SISTERS— when We ask Jesus to SAVE US.
    I PRAY YOUR DEAR 11 yr old Granddaughter ASK JESUS TO SAVE HER & HER FAMILY & FRIENDS.

    OH, the reason The Dr. started me on Penicillin : bc my attitude changed. He said he’d ‘knock that “bug” out ( of me w Penicillin.)
    I finally figured out that “bug “ was my being hurt by Child on Child abuse — from Older Kids to me & my Friend Terry. Started when we were yet 4. Abusers told me not to tell.

    GOD KNOWS EVERY THING.
    GOD IS MERCIFUL LOVING.
    GOD WANTS US TO LIVE WITH HIM FOR FOREVER.
    Praying for You Sir.

    Trump is not evil.
    evil folks like us to think wrong.
    PDJT is AMERICANS FRIEND.
    He was one of JFK’s FRIENDS.
    He is JFK JR’s FRIEND.
    LOT WE ARE GONNA LEARN
    RIGHT AFTER THE GREAT
    & terrible day of the Lord.
    GOD CHOSE TRUMP bc he won’t bend.
    PDJT LOVES TRUTH. He don’t be troubled by opinion of evil folks.

    He LOVES ALL humble People that are kind, & work to better Their Families & Neighbors.

    GOD FORGIVES. WHEN WE ASK. MATT 7:7.
    GOD SAVED US FOR THIS TIME 🙌

    Reply
  16. @CarlGoldberg0000

    August 13, 2026 at 9:19 pm

    I heard they imprisoned this man falsely! Welcome Home sir❤ im glad The People have made it right. I hope your life becomes more profitable without the system on your back. To those who are close to Leonard Please be safe with your words, for he is most likely still under surveillance 😢

    Reply
  20. @RaymondLancer-r6l

    August 13, 2026 at 9:19 pm

    You are right Leonard, Native Americans has been care takers of this continent for over 30,000 years. These white settlers and black slaves came over not too long ago and has dominated this continent and try to terminate the Native Americans, and we are still subject to federal government under Congressional Federal Regulation, reservations living is like the 3rd world, very poor living conditions on Indian reservation. All federal funds allocated to reservation goes to borders towns that surrounds Indian reservation . All Indian Nation are assuminlated with Whiteman education to where we can talk and understand one another , whereas, lack of communication between Native Americans causes to lose Indian Wars in USA. No more USA military and Congress on Indian War, where theirn battle cry was only a good Indian is a dead Indian. AHO

    Reply
  24. @DesirreeClonch-n4g

    August 13, 2026 at 9:19 pm

    Thank you for posting this I was wondering about the update on Leonard's well-being and welfare not just the belief system I've been going by ever since I was a little girl and had to witness this in interviews and news clips that were actually the truth being spoken when truth in the news and freedom of speech really mattered not like today sugar coated they want to put honey on it but they can't because only is of God so they got to go to the man-made derivative of the way they strip sugar from it's true identity as well and sugarcoat the truth in what we call the news

    Reply
  30. @lynnmelland5748

    August 13, 2026 at 9:19 pm

    God bless you Leonard! As a native American it was in North Dakota that I was called a nigger. They tend to hide their racism very well in the Midwest. Id rather see racism out front like down south. Hard to fight something people like to deny. Smile in your face ….
    You know the kind

    Reply
  32. @mysticwoman9560

    August 13, 2026 at 9:19 pm

    Leonard we are part of the us, and we can call it the americas is what it is.. the thing is the first nations and metis depended too much on the evil government.. we all have to become sovereign period and think for ourselves..

    Reply
  40. @valjeanmacias2434

    August 13, 2026 at 9:19 pm

    I truly appreciated your words of wisdom and common sense. It is a pleasure to see you outside of the prison you endured. Your advice to the young is good. I hope it is heard and implemented. I was happy to hear of your improved diet and hope that medical issues are dealt with in a timely basis. I hope you find an attorney that can represent you properly and the outcome is a success. Thank you for sharing your interview and wisdom. May you and yours remain strong and dedicated to your people.

    Reply
  43. @RachelMyers-b5v

    August 13, 2026 at 9:19 pm

    May God bless you with continued health and resources and the love of you family around. May he bless you with ease to attend your faith in goodness. And may you and your family have many generations to come blessing all with the blessings he brings to you and yours. In his Holy Name, in the name of his son Jesus, and through the Holy Spirit I pray, amen.

    Reply
  44. @shawnupdegrave6203

    August 13, 2026 at 9:19 pm

    It’s a shame the way the need of Indians have been treated in this country and the way the blacks and for whites, Chinese Latin people, etc. have been cheated and treated. I do not celebrate our fascist government. Thank you for mentioning poor white sometimes it has been forgotten although it always seems dangerous in this country to have dark skin. The America that was told existed does not exist wake up. Get up, stand up for your rights. Thank you, Leonard.

    Reply
  46. @combsvickie9687

    August 13, 2026 at 9:19 pm

    So happy to see him OUT of prison…but freedom isn't free…especially with his case…they have put too many restrictions on this poor man, praying for success with his lawsuits, so glad he is close to family and feel normal again. Don't sweat the small stuff dear man, ask God for His strength and guidance.God bless you kind sir😇🙏🙏God bless you!! This is First Nation's land…nobody should have to FIGHT to SURVIVE!! Stay strong✊✊✊💪💪

    Reply

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