Impact Recap 2025
The ultimate and original vision for the Free Leonard Peltier impact campaign was to see Leonard Peltier released from prison after nearly 50 years of wrongful incarceration. On January 15, 2025, that dream became a reality when President Joe Biden commuted Leonard’s sentence. Leonard returned home to the Turtle Mountain reservation in North Dakota on February 18, 2025 to a warm welcome from his community and the world.
With Leonard’s release, the impact team shifted our goals to meet the moment:
Increase Access to the Film in Native Communities
This is a crucial step in the distribution of the film, as the film industry has largely neglected to bring films about Indigenous communities to Indian Country to screen. We will prioritize access to the film and filmmakers in both urban and rural reservation communities, with a focus on young audiences who don’t know Peltier’s story.
Educate the Public
We will raise awareness about Leonard’s case and the injustice of his 49-year incarceration through the development of educational resources and a public awareness campaign on social media.
Support Advocacy for Incarcerated People
Indigenous people are incarcerated at a rate double the national average.
TOUR SCREENINGS RECAP
The Free Leonard Peltier Rez Tour brought the film to reservation communities in North and South Dakota, facilitating ten screenings in eight communities over the span of three weeks. Our team Co-Director Jesse Short Bull, Executive & Impact Producer Jodi Archambault, film participant Nick Tilsen, and Impact Producers Amber Morning Star Byars, Alice Quinlan, and Madeleine Kelley were all able to participate on the tour and contribute to Q&A sessions in the communities. We served meals to elders, met with tribal leaders, and witnessed first hand the impact the film is having on Indigenous communities.
