Leonard Peltier Benefit June 28th, 2008

[Lakota Wiyan]

What are the details? The when and wheres....where can a flier be downloaded?

[ndnmama80]

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE:


Contact:
Leonard Malatare or Monica Boutwell
Trickster Gallery
190 S. Roselle Rd.
Schaumburg, IL 60193
Phone:847-301-2090 Fax: 847-301-2191
[email protected] or [email protected]



TRICKSTER GALLERY ANNOUNCES BENEFIT FOR LEONARD PELTIER

Schaumburg, IL, June 28th , 2008- Trickster Gallery will be holding a benefit for Native American political prisoner, Leonard Peltier, who has been illegally imprisoned for over 30 years. After a series of crimes occurred against the Oglala Lakota people on the Pine Ridge Indian Reservation in South Dakota in the 1970s, he joined the American Indian Movement to help protect them. Until June 26, 1975, when a tragic shoot out occurred. He was arrested and wrongfully convicted of the crimes against two F.B.I. agents and has been illegally incarcerated since 1976.


Trickster Gallery is currently exhibiting Leonard Peltier's art in our upstairs gallery through June 30th. We would like to take this opportunity to bring attention to Leonard and his case. The documentary "Incident at Oglala: The Leonard Peltier Story", which was produced and narrated by Robert Redford, is available to view daily in our gallery.


The benefit will include a powwow, concert, speakers, art show, and more. Trickster Gallery is a non-profit organization and is seeking assistance for this event from Leonard Peltier supporters, the Native American community, and others. We are asking for Native performers and speakers to join us in our efforts to raise awareness about Leonard Peltier, and to raise money for him, who does so much for others. Donations to hold this event will be greatly appreciated. More details to follow.


Mr. Peltier has support from such people as the Dalai Lama, Nelson Mandela, Bono, Oliver Stone, Val Kilmer, Jane Fonda, David Geffen, Johnny Depp, among many others. He has been widely recognized for his efforts and has won several human rights awards, including the North Star Frederick Douglas Award, Humanist of the Year Award, and the International Human Rights Prize. In 2004, 2006, & 2007, he was nominated for a Nobel Peace Prize.


Even behind bars, Mr. Peltier continues to support his people; He sponsors a Christmas gift drive for the children of Pine Ridge. Leonard Peltier donates his artwork to several human rights and social welfare organizations to help them raise funds. He also established a scholarship at New York University for Native American students seeking law degrees, among many other accomplishments.


For Additional Information on Trickster Gallery's Benefit for Leonard Peltier, contact Leonard Malatare or Monica Boutwell or visit www. myspace. com/trickstergallery .


Trickster Gallery is an extension of the American Indian Center of Chicago and is the only non-profit Native owned and operated arts institution in Illinois. Trickster provides a space for Native American artists as well as educational programs and entertainment for all ages.