About the Artist and the Statue

Created by renowned muralist Rigo 23, the statue is a tribute to Peltier, who has been incarcerated since 1977. Rigo 23, known for his public artwork including notable pieces such as One Tree and Cars and Birds, emphasizes themes of social justice in his creations.

The statue, initially crafted in 2016, has a unique history. It was originally intended for placement at American University in Washington, D.C., but faced opposition from the FBI, which led to its removal. Notably, the statue’s feet have been relocated to Standing Rock and Alcatraz, while the statue itself will be displayed facing Alcatraz from the rooftop terrace of SFAI.

Event Details

The unveiling will take place at 3 p.m. PT and will be accessible via livestream on the SFAI website. Due to ongoing public health concerns, there will not be an in-person audience, but family members of Leonard Peltier are expected to share remarks during the event.

Peltier’s Legacy and Impact

Leonard Peltier has been a significant figure in Native American activism, attracting attention in the 1990s through various artists and organizations, such as U2 and the Indigo Girls, who referenced his situation in their work. His conviction for the 1975 killing of two FBI agents has been widely criticized, leading many to question the legitimacy of the judicial process surrounding his case.

Peltier also made headlines in 2004 when he ran for the presidency while in prison and recently served as a vice-presidential candidate for the Party for Socialism and Liberation before withdrawing for health reasons.

Upcoming Commemorative Events

In conjunction with the statue unveiling, the annual sunrise gathering at Alcatraz will take place on Indigenous Peoples’ Day at 6 a.m. This event, too, will be broadcast on 94.1 KPFA, continuing a tradition of honoring Indigenous culture and history despite ongoing challenges presented by the global pandemic.