Why Is Peltier Non-profit Exempt from Accountability?

In the past, My Two Beads Worth has done several articles in relation to accountability of donations and funding to the now Leonard Peltier Offense Defense Committee - it was previously called the Leonard Peltier Defense Commmittee, but once again, mismanagement of funds comes into question with the disappearance of Toni Zeiden, the former Executive Director of the LPDC.

No one asks these questions about the donations that have come in from all over the world or the ongoing requests by Harvey Arden and others for donations for plays, and other activities that are supposed to be for the operation of the Committee, support of youth, and other activities that are suppose to also benefit the people and Peltier's defense fund.

There is no accountability and while questions are asked, no one seems willing to ask the Committee directly for an accounting of the funding. The current Committee has no records they claim. When Toni Zeiden left her position as the Director she took with her all the records and much more, according to Betty Ann Solano Peltier, the current Director.

This is not something new. It's happened before. Similar allegations were made about Delaney Bruce and others. But then the matter is dropped and no one has followed up on it. Like it or not, non-profits are accountable to the public since there are benefits non-profits receive, such as tax exemptions. This information should be posted on their website and upon request provided to any individual or group that asks for the information. This is a special report about the non-profit and the questionable activities of those involved with it.

By now we all know that Peltier was denied parole. He is going to remain in prison, either until his next parole hearing comes about, or until he is removed in a black box. As cold as that might sound, it's reality and it's no colder than the fact that every year on the Pine Ridge reservation, Rosebud, and other surrounding lands of the Lakota, their own people, primarily, the elderly and children die in the winter months from no heat. They freeze to death, due to inadequate, substandard housing, no proper heating, and the inability to even afford a month's worth of propane. This happens on more than just these reservations. Pine Ridge is one we happen to hear about that much more, and in part, that is something Peltier caused to happen. The notoriety that surrounds Peltier has brought world-wide attention to the horrific conditions that exist at Pine Ridge, as well as to bring attention to the large and mostly ignored facts regarding American Indian inmates and the injustices of so many wrongly convicted and imprisoned.

If there had never been a Wounded Knee II and the murders of so many innocent people, we might not hear as often the atrocities that continue to exist on reservations. However, what a way to be remembered! The Ghosts of the Past from the Massacre of Wounded Knee linger as well and it's long past a healing - but only the beginning of the journey down the road of truth can bring about a true healing and who knows that better than our Elders and true Spiritual Leaders?

Agencies help as much as they can. But it's impossible to meet the needs of all the people there.

Every year, all year long, donations are made to the Peltier Defense Committee in an office that no one ever goes to. The costs involved in keeping this office open are just a waste of money - the support committee can handle its business from their own homes, and work together as they have most of the time anyhow using the internet.

There have been several offices and committees over the years. When problems come up, they simply disband and start a new non-profit by changing the name slightly and then an entire new layer of "volunteers" is involved. Volunteers in such a sensitive area as this should be checked out thoroughly but obviously by the repeated problems the Committee has experienced time and again, it's impossible to believe anyone is checked out, excluding the attorneys - they at least, have a public record.

The monies saved could go to helping - truly helping with the multitude of problems found on the reservation that Peltier always speaks about helping.

What has he done?

What facts, documentation, accounts and accountability can we be shown as to what he has done over the years to help the youth educationally, physically, with sports, working to prevent the students from dropping out of school, working to prevent youth from becoming involved with drugs and so many, too many, other social problems that are rampant on the reservation. We hear time and again, how he has done this or that for Lakota youth - but where is the proof? We want and should expect more than just alleged claims.

It's easy to talk - we want documentation. Non-profits are supposed to have documentation of what they do, when they handle money. Where are the records?

What has Peltier done that can be listed and proven for the youth, families and elders?

Why is Peltier considered a role model for youth? What has he done to improve the lifestyle and ensure a better future for not only youth, but for all Lakota?

Why is Leonard considered a political prisoner? He was arrested and convicted not on the basis of his political beliefs and actions, but for criminal acts. People ask these questions all the time. The difference is, most are afraid to ask them aloud.

See the following reports:

Articles pertaining to website

More information on websites and activities

More Information 2008

What does the Oglala Commemoration do for youth every year? Where is their accountability - they claim it's all done in the name of Peltier, but up until this year, according to Betty Ann Solano-Peltier they have never shared with the LPDC committee any of the donations they have received from the public. This year was the first year they ever produced any reports as to what happened to all the funds from the auction and concert. It is the first time they have ever agreed to provide information as to who the Board of Directors are, and other information relative to their non-profit. However, they were enraged they had to comply and I was told I better not "harass those listed as Board Members."

For a copy of the non-profit report provided by the Oglala Committee write to Webmaster and request a copy be sent to you.

None of these non-profits seem to realize that they are accountable to the public and the public has a right to certain information - they are obligated by compliance with their non-profit status to provide it upon request.

This came about after I was asked by Betty Ann Solano-Peltier to write to the Committee and request records of what they have done with the funds they have collected on behalf of Peltier.

While Harvey Arden accuses me of being a viper for asking questions, I offered my help and tried to help - and did, but after being accused by Leonard of being a fed as his sister and I talked on the telephone one afternoon when he happened to call the office, any help I may had to offer in the present and future ended for me. I have donated money; I have stood in the hot sun at many pow wows getting signatures for his clemency when Clinton left office when I could have been enjoying myself with my friends and family. Peltier doesn't even know me, but this is the first thing he accused me of doing because it's an easy excuse to silence someone. Disagree? You must be a fed spy. Ask too many questions and you must be a fed spy.

Criticize? You must be a fed spy. I think Leonard and many of his friends see feds where none exist.

But most of all, they are not above being accountable. Truth must be the example set for our youth. What are we teaching them when we operate in such a fashion? Without truth, there can be no healing. Leonard is not above the law and neither are his buddies. Neither are we.

Children learn by example. If it becomes acceptable to do as we wish without compliance with rules and regulations that are required of non-profits, well, why then should we comply with any laws, whether those laws are legal, moral or spiritual?

However, there is no accountability from the Oglala Commemoration for the sales they make at numerous pow wows they attend during the summer months, where they sell t-shirts with Peltier's name, bumper stickers and all sorts of Peltier paraphernalia. Subscribers to their mailing list know how often notices are sent out that they will be at a certain pow wow, setting up a table for Peltier.

What happens to that money? Is it donated back to the Committee and if so - what is it used for by the Committee? Lisa Reinhold will be extremely angry to read this, because she was very angry that I had the nerve to ask her any questions or to make the proper request for records. I fully expect personal attacks to be forthcoming.

But that's the tip of the iceberg. You have hundreds - at least - of individuals and organizations collecting monies in the name of Peltier and yet, the Committee doesn't even know who they are, let alone how much money they are taking in using Peltier's name and the history which is alleged to be the truth....who knows what the truth is at this point in time? Will we ever know the truth as more of the players cross over or disappear?

Peltier is a cash cow for a lot of people. Don't think for one minute that purpose hasn't been used by countless people - people who will never be known for taking in cash in the name of Peltier. He's not responsible for the actions of others but this never-ending request for donations and contributions only encourages this sort of abuse.

There are people who excuse the lack of accountability as being part of committees and that are just how it works. That's a bunch of baloney. There are guidelines non-profits are suppose to follow - there is accountability, just because they do what they want and have been getting away without explanations to the public for far too long, doesn't make it right at all. It's a terrible example for our youth. It sends out a very strong subliminal message to youth - taking in the money donated for a cause and using it on something else, is ok - that's how it works. Is this what we want to teach our sons and daughters? Nothing could be further from the truth.......remember? Truth? What about integrity, honesty, and trust? The children are dying in record numbers, by their own hand or now, by using drugs that are rampant on the reservation. They have no ideals to hold on to anymore. They have lost the strong connection to tribal life - ceremony, tradition, language, etc. - that is what they need - not some baloney about the injustice of Peltier's imprisonment.

Peltier is no angel. Whether he killed the agents or not, I'm not the judge of that. I don't think he pulled the trigger, but I do believe he knows who did. That's why he won't get parole. He won't be honest with the parole board and that is what they are looking for - genuine remorse and honesty, not denial and the continual pointing of fingers, blaming others for his fate in life. He made choices and he has continued to make poor choices during his incarceration in relation to the LPDC committee.

This is clearly shown by the correspondence between him and Toni Zeiden, the last Director of the now defunct LPDC, currently known as the LPDOC. (This information is available in the pdf on Toni Zeiden and the LPDC).

He has insisted upon and chosen usually women to head the Committee, who he knew nothing about except what they told him. Some of them were excellent con artists, like the last Executive Director who is walking away from a lot of criminal charges because the LPDC refuses to file complaints with the police and the attorney general's office.

Toni Zeiden left the LPDC in shambles - as has happened many times before. (But that's alright with some people, right folks?)

She left with the money, the records and continued to receive royalty payments from Peltier's book with Peter Matthiason. She retained a lot of Leonard's artwork and she had personal bills paid - such as her mortgage and so forth. That's only the tip of the iceberg in my opinion.

Toni Zeiden former Co-director LPDC

Letters Correspondence, Documentation, Toni Zeiden, Leonard Peltier and others

In 2009, Harvey Arden and Keith Rabin were asking for donations for a play that they wanted to put on "to benefit Peltier". I wrote Keith Rabin the following letter and never received a response. However, they didn't do the play. Instead, a professional movie group did it. Whatever happened to the proceeds is unknown to me. I'm sure it will be accounted for in production costs and salaries.

Letter I sent to Keith Rabin:

From: eveningrain@roadrunner.com
To: Keith@mylifeismysundance.com
Subject: Re: ~*~The Play's the Thing to FREE PELTIER!~*~
Date: Thu, 5 Feb 2009 16:33:08 -0500

Dear Mr. Rabin,
I am writing you in my capacity as the editor of My Two Beads Worth, an American Indian/Indigenous publication that has been online for 8 years.

I am doing a report on non-profits and one of them is the LPDOC and other non-profits that have held events both in the past and present, utilizing Peltier's name as a main draw of the event or speaking engagement.

I hope that you will be willing to answer a few questions regarding your own plans and the play you are producing that is funded with public donations.

Is "In Peace Productions" a non-profit corporation and if so, in what state has you filed for such status? If you have applied for and received non-profit status, where are the Articles of Incorporation, the listing of your Board of Directors and any financial records you have that list your donations (the amount of each donation - not the donor's name), and the listing of expenditures of your non-profit?

What is In Peace Productions? Who does it benefit? What is done with any profit that is made from this play you are producing? Do you plan to donate any part of the potential profits to the LPDOC since it's a play about Peltier? I know Harvey Arden makes a statement in this notice that you both have Leonard Peltier's full support to go ahead with this play. Do you have that in writing or is it a verbal agreement?

The LPDOC itself has commented many times to me personally, that there are many non-profits and other groups that have held events, fund-raisers, etc., and yet have not donated any portion to the defense committee nor have they even provided information regarding any profits that were forthcoming from these events. The Oglala Commemoration is another event that is held each year, using Peltier's name, but they have refused in the past, to provide this information upon request. Lisa, who states she is the official spokesperson for the Oglala event and handles the donations, auction, etc., rarely uses her last name, so we are not certain by any documented proof that she is in fact, the spokesperson and she has never provided the LPDOC with any details of the event, if any profit was made, etc., nor have they ever donated any part of the funds to the LPDOC, according to the Committee.

There are numerous other individual groups, that have held events, protests, etc., using Peltier's name but have not provided this information either. The Committee claims they can barely cover the costs of running the LPDOC office on a day-to-day basis, so it seems somewhat irresponsible for Leonard and his committee not to insist upon some monetary benefit from these numerous events to cover the costs of the office, legal expenses, travel, etc.

There has not been any accountability from the Committee through several changes in Committee members. They too, have no documentation available on their website that lists their Board of Directors, their Article of Incorporation, or their financial reports. The same is true of the Oglala Commemoration. However, I am making the request of your group, for this information at this time, for the article I am writing about refers to several non-profits and what is happening with the funds that are raised and donations that are made by people for Leonard on his behalf.

The manner in which this notice is written gives the impression that the play is for the benefit of Leonard Peltier and his freedom.

How will it benefit Leonard Peltier's bid for freedom? Will any funds go to his attorney to help cover legal expenses for his upcoming parole hearing? What if any, expenses will this play help to cover by the tickets sold for the play?

I appreciate your cooperation and assistance in providing this information. If you have any further questions, please feel free to contact me. You can also reach me by telephone at 207-625-7789.

Thank you.

Yours truly,
Jeanne Svhiyeyi Aga Chadwick
Publisher/Editor
My Two Beads Worth
My Two Beads Worth

I never received a response. The next thing I knew, the play had been taken over completely by a professional group and there was no further mention of Keith Rabin in the involvement of the play. He didn't want to ask my questions - after all, accountability is something people have been dodging for years and they don't appreciate the fact that someone - anyone might come along and ask some questions.

I received a response from Harvey Arden though, who was sending out the requests for donations on behalf of Keith RabinIt should be noted that this same play was held earlier in CO. See MTBW report from the late Stephanie Schwartz regarding the play, featuring photos of Harvey Arden and others.

See PDF file which contains correspondence from me to Harvey Arden and his response, which he sent out to many people. I am leaving those names intact, as this is how Harvey Arden sent out this communication over the internet. His intent of course, was to get as many people as possible to retaliate against me for having the audacity to ask questions and to make comments. I have that right. These are the same questions and comments that have been made again and again by many people, but they are afraid to ask directly. They know only too well what could and may happen. They have no protection on the reservation and desperate people tend to do desperate things when cornered. Harvey loves sending out something like this and making sure he sends it out to a lot of people too. This way he may garner support and this way he may make it difficult for the sender. Sometimes it works, sometimes it doesn't. Harvey can be very nice when he wants something, but he can be a different sort of man when he's put on the spot and angry about it. Because of this, I received some nasty comments from Carter Camp. The Warrior. I laugh at that one. Warriors do not show women the disrespect that Carter is known for. I also laugh a lot at Carter because he knows nothing about me or my family, but seems to have all the answers about who I am. I understand he's Ponca but I always wondered why he never seems to involve himself in Ponca life but spends most of his time in Lakota business. Is he Ponca or Lakota? To be truthful, I don't really care - who he is or what he does, but it's a point I'm making. There are a lot of questions about Carter Camp.

He's so smart he was buddy buddy with Paul Pureau, who turns out to be a violent criminal. He started the first ndn-aim mailing list at Yahoo groups, said he was Lakota and is one of the nastiest, foulest men you'd ever meet. Carter was on his list for years and they were great buddies. Come to find out, Paul has been inside prison more than once, for violent crimes and at one time not many years ago, it was finally discovered that he was imprisoned once again, this time for the sodomy of a child under the age of 14.

If you want the public records on Paul Pureau, please write to Webmaster and make the request for this information.

Carter is so sure that I'm this old white haired grandma - definitely not native of course, but he's buddy buddy with this creep for years. I'd said his judgment is not the best.

But back to Harvey Arden and his comments about my questions regarding this play. Harvey had made a lot of money over the years from Indians. He continues to do so. Oh he's (in his own words) "Just an old white guy." I'd love to know how much money Harvey has racked up over the years on speaking engagements alone - I bet we would all be shocked.

Harvey talks about Dream Keepers - and I supposedly was its first founding member (I paid a membership fee) and that is how I came to know Harvey Arden - I passed some green stuff thinking I was doing a good thing for a good cause - just like everyone else who joined and later it just collapsed - rumors of bankruptcy, money problems, etc., but of course none of the members were ever informed, at least not members of my level.

Ask questions, the next thing you might hear, is that "she's working for the feds," or "she's just another wanabee," or a trouble maker - it goes on and on. When they can't or won't answer with truth, then they go on a personal attack - that is how most of these folks operate. It usually works quite well in removing the heat from them, where it rightly belongs, and misplacing it on someone else. I don't understand how intelligent, educated people can be so blind with all of this and yet they continue to open their wallets whenever they are asked.

Peltier has a regular list of financial contributors who he turns to when he's in a bind of one sort of another and he's been in a lot of those "financial binds" where the committee office is concerned. All that expense for an office that is rarely use? Who goes there?

Volunteers? I always thought volunteers worked because they believed in a cause - no recompense expected, because they are volunteers. But most of the volunteers over the years with this committee have walked away a lot richer than when they walked in.

When they travel, they go first class - no regular class like the rest of us poor slobs. While they lean back sipping on their drinks and eating cheese, some small child on Pine Ridge is running around, hunger a pain in his small belly. Think of the actual good that money could have done. Peltier is always talking about helping his people - well, it would be nice to do so even before he's out of prison - 33 years of support and money going to a committee, when a big chunk of that could have gone to improving the lives of thousands of his own people every year.

Instead donations have gone to pay Toni Zeiden's mortgage. SEE PDF FILE.

JUST A NOTATION: My comments about Arvol Looking Horse stand. I believe that far too often poor judgment has been shown, as in the situation of the film that was made by a non-native film maker, rather than utilizing the talents of native film makers. Looking Horse talks about cultural theft, and several years past, even made the proposal of having the US government's intervention to stop non-natives from participating in ceremonies, then he turns around, accepts a trip to Europe and works with a European film maker. However, Looking Horse and his non-profits do have records of many good programs they have created for youths. If they have shown poor judgment, the people have spoken out against it.

Looking Horse is a bundle keeper. His sacred duty is to protect and preserve the sacred pipe for his people and future generations. That should be his number one priority. But that's my personal opinion and as long as I have a voice and the freedom to speak, I will express my opinion when I believe that it's important to do so.

There are times we are obligated to speak out. When we cover up for others, knowing full well that we have not done the right thing, again, what is the message we are sending to our youth? How can we expect them to resist the lure of drugs, crime and violence if those in positions most well known, refuse to comply with law and refuse to answer the questions of people who have every right to ask such questions?

It reminds me of the brave tribal members who came forward from the Mashpee Wampanoag Nation with serious concerns about the operation of their tribal business. They brought their concerns, complaints and documentation to the proper leaders, and rather than it be investigated further, the group was censored, their rights to speak at future tribal meetings denied and they were publicly shunned. We all know the results of this story. There WAS corruption within tribal government that resulted in criminal charges and punishment for those responsible. These brave tribal members came forth with truth and rather than their courage and honesty honored by Tribal leaders and other members of the nation, they are shunned.

We talk about the corruption and criminality of other nations, the US and overseas, but it appears that some tribal nations are reluctant to clean up these same issues. Again, what message does this send to our youth? It's ok to steal. Hey, everyone does it! And don't be a rat. Those who "rat out" get punished so no truth wanted here.

I asked legitimate questions - questions that others have asked, but are too fearful to ask aloud or to go before their councils - after all, look at what happened in Mashpee. Much worse, look at what happened in New York to Danielle Schenadoah. A woman who speaks out - a strong woman, standing up for her home and her children's right to live in that home with her. We know what happened to her.

In my opinion, these individuals are the true and real warriors of the people. Peltier is referred to as a political prisoner - these individuals are the true political prisoners and they paid a severe price for truth. They didn't have any committees or the world's support based upon good PR and connections and everyone so concerned with making a buck - bottom line, the dollar is always there, sometimes we can't see it right away; some never see it, but it's at the root of most things.

No one came to Danielle's aid when she was arrested for protecting her home and was taken, incognito, to some hole in the wall jail in PA. She was not taken before a Judge for an extradition order - she had no rights - she was just taken and for the entire weekend no one could get in touch with her. The Sheriff was "off for the weekend," and when I reached the jail, the officer that answered could only stumble over excuses - I nearly felt sorry for the poor guy. Someone in this PA Town owed favors.

Brutal mass killers cannot be arrested and taken to jail without benefit of counsel and a hearing before a judge - but they could and did do it to a Mother, a woman who did what most Mothers would do in her situation, fight for her children's rights to their home.

Truth! These things will continue to happen as long as we resist truth.

Our Elders talk about the importance of such things as truth, honesty, integrity and having a good character. But it seems that few are listening these days.

A lot of people have given AIM its black eye. But there are many more who have helped in so many ways in the true spirit of AIM - as a movement - as reaching out and supporting our brothers and sisters in dealing with the multitude of problems that face us. They are not the ones who you hear the most when the TV cameras and reporters show up - it's the people behind the scenes who are helping to make their communities better, who are fighting to protect Sacred sites, to preserve and protect endangered species, like the buffalo, wild horses and burros, even the little prairie dog, the wolf and the bear. They are helping with the elders at Big Mountain and standing strong and tall for the San Francisco Peaks, Bear Butte and so much more. They work daily with our men and women in the iron house. We may not hear about it all the time, but it's happening. These are the "true warriors."

Everyone has avoided this subject like the plague. I keep thinking of the comment made by Brenda Norrell - that there are subjects in Indian country that are taboo such as Peltier and that's wrong. No subject should be taboo when it involves nations, people and the future of these nations and its people. If it's not addressed internally it will only fester and grow much worse. Strong leaders should speak strong truths. Now is the time for truth. Are YOU willing to stand for truth?

Correspondence Arden, Camp, Information about proposed Play

Contents

September 2009 Reports