As Native American Heritage Month comes to a close, we’re reflecting on our cases that illuminate both the deep inequities Indigenous people face in Montana’s criminal legal system and the extraordinary strength and joy that endure despite those barriers.
This week, we’re honoring Joseph Jefferson Dust and Bernard Pease Jr. — two Crow men who survived wrongful convictions and are now reclaiming their lives.
Bernie spent nearly 40 years incarcerated for a 1983 murder. The evidence used against him relied heavily on now-discredited forensic methods.
MTIP pursued new DNA testing, which supported Bernie’s innocence. Among the results: a hair found at the crime scene, once claimed to match the victim, was proven to be from a cat.
Bernie was paroled to pre-release in late 2022 and reunited with his family in January 2023 after almost four decades behind bars.
Now living in Billings, Bernie is reconnecting with loved ones, returning to fishing and art, and building a life that was denied to him for so long.
Enjoy some of our favorite stories about Bernie below:
How art helped MTIP client Bernard Pease Jr. persevere through 40 years of wrongful incarceration
MTIP client Bernard Pease reflects on fishing & friendship after 40 years of wrongful incarceration
Joe, a Navy veteran and artist, was accused in 2015 of an act he did not commit, with no corroborating evidence. He accepted a no-contest plea out of fear of a decades-long prison sentence. Years later, in 2020, the accuser fully recanted, admitting the allegation had been influenced by prejudice against Native men.
In 2023, a judge relieved Joe of all probation duties. In February 2024, the court set aside the judgment entirely and ordered a new trial. Four months later, prosecutors dismissed the case.
Today, Joe is rebuilding with creativity and renewed connection to his family and culture.
Enjoy some of our favorite stories about Joe below:
Joseph Jefferson-Dust shares Chief Plenty Coup’s dream, his own hopeful dream he had in jail
Joseph Jefferson-Dust on how art helped him build community in jail | Click here to read.
