Copyright © 1998 NLThomas
All Rights Reserved
Canadians rally to demand justice minister's support on an executive clemency request to U.S. President Bill Clinton for North American indigenous political prisoner Leonard Peltier's freedom.On behalf of the Leonard Peltier Defense Committee, Canada's Frank Dreaver together with singer-songwriter Greg Keelor of Blue Rodeo, in co-ordination with fourteen other Canadian music artists including spoken word artist Michael Ondaatje, and sponsored by Warner Music Canada, we are pleased to announce the release of a new benefit album C.D. called,
"Pine Ridge - an Open Letter to Allan Rock"
Songs for Leonard Peltier
Just released to music stores across Canada on Oct 15, 1996 in audio cassette and CD form, the new benefit compilation of original, solo recordings and live tracks are an amazing selection from sixteen well-known Canadian artists and music bands who have collaborated to raise awareness and support for Leonard Peltier, a worldly recognized North American political prisoner who has been falsely imprisoned for 21 years in the United States of America.Pine Ridge - an Open Letter to Allan Rock as released by Warner Music Canada, features songs from the likes of Sarah McLachlan, Jane Siberry, Ashley MacIsaac, The Skydiggers; a live tract from Tragically Hip. It also includes original recordings from Greg Keelor and Jim Cuddy of Blue Rodeo, Bob Wiseman, and spoken word poet Michael Ondaatje.
This project was initiated and coordinated by Greg Keelor, who was inspired following an unexpected meeting with Frank Dreaver, founder of the Leonard Peltier Defense Committee of Canada. The two men met last year by chance in a steam room where they openly discussed their careers and working relationship which led to a discussion of the historic case of Leonard Peltier's false extradition, false imprisonment and the ongoing struggles of the North American indigenous peoples. Ironically Greg had been reading three books on indigenous struggle which included Peter Matthiessen's book IN THE SPIRIT OF CRAZY HORSE on the case of Leonard Peltier. He immediately expressed his support and wanted to know what more can be done.
As one of the results, this CD release is meant to raise awareness around Mr. Peltier's case and especially Canada's role having been defrauded into authorizing his illegal extradition to the United States in 1976 and what you can do. All this has been timely and critical as the case is presently tied up for the last 2 ? years in the bureaucracy of an official review by the Justice Department's Minister Allan Rock. It is the view and the response of thousands and thousands of Canadian people that this minister has an obligation to file a formal complaint against U.S. authorities for their (mis)conduct and as a true example of respect for justice support Mr. Peltier's appeal for clemency to President Clinton. This album contains an open letter to the Justice Minister by Frank Dreaver of the LPDC Canada.
The LPDC Canada would like to express their appreciation to all of the artists, to Warner Music Canada and to all those who continue to struggle to live in a world where it is safe to believe in the truth, justice and freedom.
We are encouraging all peoples to support this cause by purchasing a tape or a CD. Proceeds will initially cover the costs of production and thereafter directly benefit the ongoing struggle for Leonard Peltier's freedom.
This example is also meant to stimulate appreciation, courage and unification of all peoples.
We would like to thank you for your time by asking you to please contact President Bill Clinton at the White House, 1600 Pennsylvania Ave., Washington D.C. 20500 U.S.A. Phone (202)456-1111; fax (202)456-2461; Email President@Whitehouse.gov.
IN THE SPIRIT OF CRAZY HORSE,
FREE LEONARD PELTIER
For more information, please contact the LPDC Canada:
Phone: (416)439-1893 (telephone/fax)
or by email: lpdccfd@web.net Or send U.S. mail to:
Leonard Peltier Defense Committee
3 Chandler Dr., Scarborough, Ontario Canada M1G 1Z1
| Leonard Peltier & AIM Information |
| Musical Paths |
| The People's Paths Site Index! |