The Spirit of Leonard Peltier at
The Evergreen State College

I wish that I could have been present this day to see you sitting impatiently waiting to finally burst into the "real" world, to see the start of a new dawn rising in your eyes. It's important to have these ceremonies, even if it begins to get too hot and everyone seems long-winded. Ceremonies are like landmarks in our lives. If you don't see at least a few of them, you get lost.

For many years it seemed that the light in my life was nearly lost. The only light I knew was the spark of hope ignited by my many supporters. Unlike most people trapped in the prison system, I have been fortunate in having a network behind me, keeping me linked to the outside world and keeping the injustices of my case before the public eye. My family and friends never abandoned me and I have made many new friends over the years. This has helped me to maintain my strength, spirit and dignity through even the most difficult times. I have learned so much these last 17 years. But life's most important lesson to me has been that we should care about each other enough to sacrifice for the good of our brothers and sisters.

By the time I reached the average age of those of you graduating in today's ceremony, I had seen many things that I want you to know about. It's not always pleasant to realize that in the land of plenty, the original inhabitants of this country were, and are, being denied their most basic human rights. By the time I reached my 20s I had seen prejudice, hatred, violence, poverty, hunger, unemployment and addiction. All around me my people suffered. I had been taught, as I certainly hope you have, to help those who are less fortunate. Have I ever regretted my involvement? No.

I have been honored over time with awards for my political activities and struggle to change the poor living conditions on reservations and instill a sense of pride and worth into all indigenous children. These awards have meant a lot to me, but when I look out these barred windows and see so much work still needing to be done, I get a sense of urgency, of needing to physically be there again for my people.

I have continued the struggle from here, attempting to secure scholarships for Native law students, funding a newspaper for Native kids, and helping to institute free health care and health care training on the Rosebud Reservation. It's not enough. The unemployment rate is still high. Kids are still drinking and dropping out of school, not to mention the suicide statistics.

When will we say, as the combined human family, "Enough is enough!"? I pray with all of my heart that you, responsible for the future of this country, remember these things and do something about them. An educated person is a fortunate person. I would have given anything to go to college, but the twists and turns of my life didn't allow it. Treasure your education enough to share it with the many people who, for one reason or another, have been denied that basic right.

I've had to watch my own children grow up without me. Whether they know this or not, that is the hardest thing about being in prison. I pray for them, worry about them, and hope for their bright futures. It hurts me when they make mistakes and I cannot be there to help them. It hurts me to be a father and yet be denied the opportunity to be a daddy. I now have four beautiful grandchildren. I hope that soon I will be able to be a proper grandad for them.

Maybe I will see them on a day like this one, dressed in cap and gown and waving to me through the crowd. Never could I imagine a prouder moment. I'm sure you didn't even want to attend this ceremony, but you had to please your family. Tolerate your parents' excitement this day, and if you can, share it! Be as proud of yourself as they are of you.

And the light is getting brighter and brighter. I feel in my heart that now is the beginning of a true time for healing between our nations. When someone like myself can be elected as a commencement speaker at a respected institution like this one, well, that certainly illustrates that the tide is changing. Now, perhaps, we will be able to learn about and respect each other.

American Indians share a history rich in diversity, integrity, culture and tradition. It is also rich in tragedy, deceit and genocide. As the world learns of these atrocities and cries out for justice, the light I am seeing will ignite, and together we will be able to watch it grow until there is justice for all people everywhere. No human being should ever have to fear for his or her life because of their political or religious beliefs.

We are in this together, my friends, the rich and poor, the red, white, black, brown, and yellow. We share responsibility for Mother Earth and those who live and breathe upon her. Never forget that.

I want out of prison, and I am counting on the help of every one of you to ensure my release. But that will only be a new beginning. From that point onward I pray that you will remain active in the struggle for the rights of indigenous people. I hope to gather volunteers who are both educated and dedicated to work, hands-on, on each needy reservation. This is my dream and it can only become reality with your help. We are not the only ones counting on you. Our grandchildren, and yours, are counting on you too.

I want to thank you for giving me the opportunity to speak to you today and for this wonderful honor given me to be with you in spirit as you celebrate this important moment in your lives. Good luck. I love you and will not forget your kindness.

The film by Michael Apted, Incident at Oglala, is an excellent resource. The book by Peter Matthiessen, In the Spirit of Crazy Horse, is even more concise. Also, try The Trial of Leonard Peltier by Jim Messerschmidt, or Agents of Repression by Ward Churchill & Jim Vander Wall. Check them out - they are easy to find at any video or book store.

On November 20, 1993, shortly after this transcription was published, a march and demonstration for Leonard Peltier was held in Washington D.C. For information on future public demonstrations in support of Peltier, please utilize the following links and addresses*: