Prison Writings: My Life Is My Sun Dance

"Prison Writings: My Life Is My Sun Dance" offers a profound glimpse into the life and struggles of Leonard Peltier, an Indigenous activist serving a life sentence since his controversial conviction in 1977. Published on June 16, 2000, and edited by Harvey Arden with contributions from Chief Arvol Looking Horse and former Attorney General Ramsey Clark, this book serves both as a memoir and a manifesto. Peltier details his experiences at Leavenworth Prison, using the metaphor of the Sun Dance—a ceremony where pain ushers in higher understanding—to articulate his journey and the broader plight of American Indian peoples. This book is essential for high school students exploring themes of criminal justice reform and indigenous rights, providing deep insights into resilience and the ongoing fight against systemic injustices. It challenges readers to consider the complexities of advocacy, identity, and survival within the framework of historical and contemporary struggles.