Who is Leonard Peltier?

Summary

Although the actual events took place decades ago the Leonard Peltier case is still getting attention today. In this activity you will work in small group to research this man and why he is in prison. Your main research tool will be the Pioneer Online Library. Your assignment is to prepare a persuasive argument in support of one of the following questions:

1. Should Peltier serve out his two life sentances?
2. Should Peltier receive a new trial?
3. Should Peltier be pardoned by the President?

You may use PowerPoint, a web page, or any other digital medium to present your argument.

Materials

Materials Needed:
1. Internet Access to Pioneer.
2. Presentation tools: Software, projectors,..etc.
3. Word processing software.

Background for Teachers

For you to effectively direct students in this assignment you should become familiar with the Leonard Peltier case. Use Pioneer prior to the unit to help prepare. Also see the accompanying website links. I would recommend that these sites not be given to your students because one of the goals of this project is to let the student learn to use Pioneer. Also most websites tend to have a bias and the assignment is designed to let the student form their own opinion on the subject. The resources obtained through Pioneer tend to be less opinionated and more fact and news related.

History and background of the American Indian Movement (AIM). (by Dennis Banks)
Russell Means page.
Native American leaders, past and present.
BIA files.
Travels with Daniel a modern day trip thru Indian lands).(
An interview with Russell Means.
Leonard Peltier information.
Leonard Peltier, political prisoner?
A breif biography  Anna Mae investigation reopened
First Nations political action site.
Interview with Mr. X.  Who really killed the FBI agents?
AIM casualties on Pine Ridge, 1973-76
FBI war on the Native Americans.
Govenor Janklow addresses some current day Indian law problems.
The massacre at Wounded knee (a survivor's tale).
Wounded Knee Home Page and important links.
Picture of Wounded Knee Memorial.
Bury My Heart at Wounded Knee, Dee Brown, author.
Spirit of Crazy Horse, Peter Mathiesen, author, Viking Press.
American Indian books.
More books about the Lakota Sioux History.
Lakota Dakota Bibliography.
Neihardt, J.G. (1972). Black Elk Speaks.New York: Washington Square Press.
About the FBI files.
The occupation of Wounded Knee.
Violence is not the answer.
Lesson of the Lakota Nation.
Air lift to Wounded Knee.
An overview of the Wounded Knee incident.
New evidence.
Leonard Peltier chronology.
View from a passer-by.
Wounded Knee timeline.
Apology and Pledge ..the road to OZ.
Photo and Art gallery.
Who are the Oglala Lakota Sioux?
Nelson A. Miles , a conquering hero.
Mean Spirits.
Poor Bear's testimony.
By FBI: Dear Mr. President.
Code of journalistic ethics.
The Indian Ghetto

Intended Learning Outcomes

1.Develop an understanding of the conquered Native American Indian from their point of view (as best you can).
2.Use the Pioneer to research the facts about the Leonard Peltier case.
3.Learn information about the key aspects of the incidents that led up to and included the occupation of Wounded Knee II.
5.Formulate and support your argument for one of the three actions on behalf of Leonard Peltier.
6.Work with your teammates to develop a persuasive arguement and presentation.

Instructional Procedures

1. Divide students into small groups.(which ever method you prefer)
2. One day of Lecture to give students background information on the situation and events.
3. 2 to 3 days of class time for introduction of Pioneer tool and time to begin researching.
4. 1 to 2 weeks for students to form arguments and prepare presentations.
5. Time in class for presentations.

Extensions