John LeKay: When did you first start writing poetry and what were they about and how did you get interested in American Indian culture?

Trudi Blue: I wrote my first poem when I was about ten. I do remember it being about the Earth. I really started writing when I was in High School. One of my best pieces was called "The Back of the Bus". It was about the bus situation ( riding the bus ) during the Civil Rights Movement. I was really apart of the movement and Dr. King. I also wrote poems about our environment., the beauty of nature and all the creatures on the Earth., respect for our Mother ( Earth ). This goes back to BC, Canada. I was introduced to the wild at a very young age.

 

 I was introduced to the Indian in Canada. My Mother and I use to visit the reservation near by and bring the families supplies from the local store. Some of my playmates were Indian.

I was five years old at this time. I use to wander off into the wild/ woods and play. I enjoyed my surroundings, all the animals, and my Indian friends. I experienced two visions when I was in the woods. Both of them were Indian related. As I became older, I researched, met people ( Indian ) that taught me and educated me on the issues that needed to be addressed. I felt this all along, that I was to do something about these issues and for the People that are so dear to my heart. I knew way back when I would walk not in front of them, not behind them, but along beside them as a sister, a friend ( a Kola / Koda ) and support them in any way possible. Since the Creator blessed me with the gift of writing, I started to write poems for the People. I made many contacts with my persistence and it has paid off in many respects. With others like me, we have come a long way. We still have a long way to go but at least the public is starting to read articles in magazines, papers, etc. and also seeing real film about the Indian , the FIRST AMERICANS!

I mean real film, not Hollywood. PBS has done a good job viewing films. It is such a delight to see Indian actors tell it like it really is. That is what I do in my poetry. I cut to the chase, tell it like it is. My poetry usually has quite a punch. I am happy that I can get the message across. I want nothing in return.

I am but a messenger for the People, our First Americans. My heart and prayer is with them. It always has been since I was four and always will be. One of my best friends, Annie, I have to thank. She is part Lakota.

She taught me a lot of things. She opened the doors so to speak.....to the road...the Red Path..the Red Road....the Right Road. The one I have great reverence for simply because I in my heart and soul feel the same. As the Lakota say, Aho, Mitakuye Oyasin! (All my Relations/ We are All Related ) I do believe this.

I will continue to write poetry for the People. I will do what ever it takes for the People to be treated with respect and get back what belongs to them, what is Sacred. I am their Messenger not for me but for Them!

JL: How did you find out about Leonard Peltier and what was it that inspired you to start writing poetry about him?

Trudi Blue: My dear friend introduced me to the Leonard Peltier situation. After that, I researched and read everything I could get my hands on. I also later befriended the editor/ author , Harvey Arden, a few AIM people, and Peltier's Lobbyist about ten years ago. The poetry started to flow like a rapid river. I would write the Department of Justice and BOP Kathleen Hawk on a weekly basis. Washington, D.C. began to recognize the name Blue T or Trudi Blue. I sent the poetry anywhere I could send it. It has been on many sites online, the media, news casters such as Peter Jennings, politicians state wide and federal, the film industry, and the music field. I also pass out flyers at rallies and pow wows in Peltier's behalf. I truly believe Leonard Peltier is a political prisoner. They have to pin the murders on someone. The guilty party is free or dead so Leonard is taking the rap. There is too much obscure information, destroyed, fabricated evidence, shady goings on , in other words cover ups. Again, the FBI have to make it look good and Leonard is the victim of this injustice.

All one needs to do is read everything they can about the case. For starters, one should read the book titled "In the Spirit of Crazy Horse", the uncut version. I also suggest people read Leonard's book "Prison Writings" and watch the film directed by Robert Redford, "Incident at Oglala". There is a lot of valuable information out there to be seen, read and heard. That is what I did. I believe Peltier is innocent and should be granted clemency. He is old and should spend his last days with his people. He is a man of peace. I shall continue to work for Leonard's freedom.