Leonard’s Statement for Russell Means
Greetings my relatives and friends
I wish I was there to talk with you in person and share with you the sorrow that I feel with the passing of Russell Means, my brother, my friend, and inspiration on many levels. Russell Means will always be an icon whenever the American Indian Movement is spoken of and whenever people talk about the changes that took place, the changes that are taking place now for Indian people.
One thing about Russell I always remembered, and I think someone else once said it, you may have loved him, or you may have disliked him, but you couldn’t ignore him. I’ll always remember when an elder said one time, I was at a ceremony and I asked what this half shaped moon circle on the ground meant, and he said it was a symbol of the circle of life, the never ending of the circle of life, and I said there is only half a circle, and he said the other half was unseen, it is the spirit world. For Indian people it never ends, we don’t have a linear existence, so I know I will see Russell again, and I take comfort in that thought. For men like Russell Means don’t come along in a lifetime very often. He was truly an inspiration for all of us younger guys at the time. He had good words to say, he was eloquent when he spoke them, and he spoke English as clearly and precisely and as articulate as any one I have ever heard speak. And he knew what he was talking about. And I know all of you out there, as well as myself, will always remember our friend, our brother and fellow activist, and how he stood with us to recapture the freedoms we’ve lost, and protect the ones that we still have, and bring about a better future for our people, and all people of this Mother Earth, who’s nature is in peril.
I really don’t know what else to say about our brother Russell, other than to Russell himself, “We’ll see you again my brother Russell, in some other time and in some other place, we will always be your friend, and we will always look forward to seeing your face. Mitakuye Oyasin ”
In the spirit of Crazy Horse, and Russell Means.
I’ll close for now.
Leonard Peltier
This…is how we will remember him
Russell has gone on ahead.
Thank you for your words. Your still my Hero and One day, One day you will be free.
I love you and pray for your release NOW. Russell inspires me and so do you. Thank you for your fine example as a man of quality.
I immediately thought of you, Leonard, when I heard the news of Russell’s passing this morning. A beautiful light on Earth gone out. I send love to you. I wish I could open the door so you could fly away from that place…
Wopila Leonard, beautifully put as always. I’ve always felt like people like Russell wouldn’t ever die…like death is somehow beyond them. And yet, one more elder passed on to the spirit world. I can only hope that my generation carries the message as well as he did.
Beautiful words from one great man to another great man. We are always with you Leonard <3
Thank you for sharing your thoughts on Russel, Leonard. He will be missed.
O forever free ∞
See you on the other “unseen” side of the circle…
my heart goes out to all that love him, to all that looked up to him,your words have been heard here in my homeland of New Zealand..Me ngā whakaaro, inoi aroha atu (with loving thoughts and prayers)ki a kaha ki a toa ki a manawanui (stand strong, stand tall and stand with a strong heart)
Prayers from my family 2 Russell’s in their time of loss.i was fortunate 2 shake hands w/this warrior and sum day i hope 2 shake hands of this humble warrior named Leonard…Ur words speak out loud 2 me and remind me of where i come from and where Id like 2 lead my family..U are such a inspiration 2 me and i will tell ur story over an over tell i am heard.Free Peltier>Never 4get..
To Ruessll, may you alway’s be happy where you are. and you will alway’s be in our hearts!!
What Russell did with his life can not be undone by mere death.
May the seeds that you and Russell sowed as young men bear fruit while you still draw breath, dear one, and may that breath be drawn under free and open sky.
I am from Rwanda and i am very inspired by this great man, the icon of freedom for Indian people! I wish the young guys to follow his steps for the bright future of Indian people and America!
Great words from a great Men
Inspirational words about a great man from another great man. I was fortunate to meet Russell on two occasions. He wise words will live on. Thank you Leonard, and may Russel Rest in Peace.
Wonderful words in memory of a brave and honorable man. I have been praying for you to as you are an honorable man and so brave. I hope and pray that you will be free soon.
Russell has left this side of the circle but he will still inspire from the other side. Yet the world is poorer today because he is no longer in it
Chi miigwetch, thank you leonard for your strong words. I also would like you to know that both of you did so much for us. Brothers forever.
WELL SAID LEONARD. I WAS SO INSPIRED READING HIS AUTOBIO THAT I INTEND TO PICK UP WHERE HE LEFT OFF. THERE WILL BE THOSE WHO LIKE ME, THOSE WHO DISLIKE ME BUT ONE THING IS FOR SURE….WHEN I SPEAK NO ONE WILL BE ABLE TO SILENCE OR IGNORE ME. THE AMERICAN INDIAN MOVEMENT WILL RETURN IN FULL FORCE JUST AS RUSSELL AND DENNIS HAD THEM. I WILL MAKE YOU PROUD LEONARD. JAELENE MORRIS
A great man has gone home to be with other strong warriors in the Spirit World. RIP RUSSELL MEANS.
BLESSINGS TO LEONARD PELTIER. We’re fighting hard yet calmly, to see you free soon.
FROM WEST AUSTRALIA
well said makes it easier to keep going he will be missed and greatfull for all he has done for the world not many standup people around anymore thankyou and him ahoo
Freedom is a powerful word where death is overcome by it. Russell Means is truly a Native American Warrior who believe in harmony, peace, hope, and freedom for many different tribes across the nation. His time has come to move on to the next world, as we all believe but he truly will be our guardian angel like Michael and Gabriel who are warrior angels. I believe Russell is Michael and Leonard is Gabriel. Leonard speaks and teaches from his cell with compassion to all of us and he endures everyday with hope to take his last steps back on his homeland. The US government is hell within itself. You stand firm until your last breath will show your innocense and strength for us Native American Indian who step freely on the land. Native Indian Soil. We will always be entitled to this in our country, not the government, they steal and stole. thats where its it, until the whole earth exploites.
we will not forget our GREAT LEADERS..
Je prie et je sais qu’un jour la Nation Indienne se relèvera . De tout coeur avec vous .
(Translated)
I pray and know that one day the Indian Nation will rise. Wholeheartedly with you.
Russell Means: “I don’t want to be remembered as an activist. I want to be remembered as an American Indian patriot.” In “The Progressive” magazine.
http://fb.me/1HyZMx339
Leonard, Your painting of Russell is so beautiful, with love and remembrance. Thank you Leonard for sharing your letters with us. I truly pray you are home soon. As ever, always a friend, Nancy Perry