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- By Native StoryLab
Special Edition: In a powerful episode of the Native Bidaské, Holly Cook Macarro and Kevin Sharp discuss the decades-long fight to free the imprisoned Native American activist and the role the Biden administration played in his commutation.
Host Levi Rickert sits down with Holly Cook Macarro, a member of the Red Lake Nation and a leading advocate for Leonard Peltier's release, and Kevin Sharp, a former federal judge who has taken on Peltier's case pro bono in recent years.
The conversation covers the emotional journey of Peltier's impending release after nearly 50 years in prison, the complex legal and political battles that led to this moment, and the significance of Peltier's case as a symbol of the systemic injustices faced by Native Americans.
The episode underscores the decades of grassroots activism and legal efforts that led to Peltier's release, as well as the crucial role played by figures like Secretary of the Interior Deb Haaland in securing the president's intervention.
As Peltier, now 80 years old, prepares to reunite with his family, the podcast guests emphasize the importance of telling his story and reckoning with the broader context of systemic oppression that led to his imprisonment.
Spread the Word and Join us LIVE on Friday, January 31, at 4 PM ET on Native News Online’s Facebook or YouTube channel to hear the full conversation and gain deeper insight into this landmark moment for the Native American community.Help us tell the stories that could save Native languages and food traditions
At a critical moment for Indian Country, Native News Online is embarking on our most ambitious reporting project yet: "Cultivating Culture," a three-year investigation into two forces shaping Native community survival—food sovereignty and language revitalization.
The devastating impact of COVID-19 accelerated the loss of Native elders and with them, irreplaceable cultural knowledge. Yet across tribal communities, innovative leaders are fighting back, reclaiming traditional food systems and breathing new life into Native languages. These aren't just cultural preservation efforts—they're powerful pathways to community health, healing, and resilience.
Our dedicated reporting team will spend three years documenting these stories through on-the-ground reporting in 18 tribal communities, producing over 200 in-depth stories, 18 podcast episodes, and multimedia content that amplifies Indigenous voices. We'll show policymakers, funders, and allies how cultural restoration directly impacts physical and mental wellness while celebrating successful models of sovereignty and self-determination.
This isn't corporate media parachuting into Indian Country for a quick story. This is sustained, relationship-based journalism by Native reporters who understand these communities. It's "Warrior Journalism"—fearless reporting that serves the 5.5 million readers who depend on us for news that mainstream media often ignores.
We need your help right now. While we've secured partial funding, we're still $450,000 short of our three-year budget. Our immediate goal is $25,000 this month to keep this critical work moving forward—funding reporter salaries, travel to remote communities, photography, and the deep reporting these stories deserve.
Every dollar directly supports Indigenous journalists telling Indigenous stories. Whether it's $5 or $50, your contribution ensures these vital narratives of resilience, innovation, and hope don't disappear into silence.
The stakes couldn't be higher. Native languages are being lost at an alarming rate. Food insecurity plagues many tribal communities. But solutions are emerging, and these stories need to be told.
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Levi Rickert (Potawatomi), Editor & Publisher
