Russell Means was an activist, actor, writer, and musician who dedicated his life to the Native American community. He was known for his charismatic personality, unwavering determination, and passionate advocacy for indigenous rights.

Born on November 10, 1939, in South Dakota, Means grew up on the Pine Ridge Indian Reservation. He was a member of the Oglala Lakota Sioux tribe and experienced firsthand the struggles and injustices faced by Native Americans. His activism began in the 1960s and continued until his death in 2012, leaving a lasting impact on the Native American community and beyond. In this article, we will explore the life and legacy of Russell Means, his contributions to the American Indian Movement, and his impact on Native American activism.

Russell Means was a prominent figure in the American Indian Movement (AIM) during the 1970s. He was an Oglala Lakota Sioux and a leading advocate for Native American rights. Means was involved in numerous protests and demonstrations, including the occupation of Wounded Knee in 1973. He was also a prolific actor, appearing in films such as “The Last of the Mohicans” and “Natural Born Killers.” Means passed away in 2012, but his legacy as a fierce advocate for Native American rights lives on.

Full Details: Russell Means

Russell Means was an American actor, activist, writer, musician, and politician who stood for Native American rights. He was known for his towering height of 6 feet 1 inch (1.85 m), brown eyes, and black hair. However, his weight and shoe size are unknown.

Family

This table provides information about Russell Means’ family. His father was Russell Means Sr. and his mother was Theodora Louise Feather. The weight of both parents is unknown. Russell Means had a brother named Bill Means and a cousin named Leonard Crow Dog. He also had two other cousins, Dennis Banks and Vernon Bellecourt.

Unknown Facts about Russell Means

Who was Russell Means?

Russell Means was a prominent Native American activist, actor, and writer who played a significant role in the American Indian Movement (AIM) during the 1960s and 1970s. He was born in South Dakota in 1939 and raised on the Pine Ridge Indian Reservation. Means became a prominent figure in the civil rights movement for Native Americans, advocating for their rights to self-determination and sovereignty.

What were some of his notable achievements?

Means was involved in numerous high-profile events during his career as an activist, including the occupation of Alcatraz Island and the Wounded Knee incident. He also served as the national director of AIM and was a vocal critic of the US government’s treatment of Native Americans. In addition to his activism, Means was also a prolific writer and actor, appearing in several films and television shows.

Why should you know about Russell Means?

Russell Means was a trailblazer in the fight for Native American rights and his legacy continues to inspire generations of activists today. Learning about his life and achievements can help us better understand the ongoing struggles faced by Indigenous communities in the United States and around the world. In this article, we will delve deeper into the lesser-known aspects of Russell Means’ life, shedding light on his contributions to the Native American movement and beyond.

Russell Means: The Life and Legacy of an American Indian Activist

Early Life and Education

Russell Means was born on November 10, 1939, on the Pine Ridge Indian Reservation in South Dakota. He was an Oglala Lakota Sioux and grew up in a traditional Sioux family. Means attended the Catholic boarding school at the reservation and later joined the U.S. Air Force. After his service, he attended the University of Arizona and earned a degree in accounting.

During his time at the university, Means became involved in civil rights activism and joined the National Indian Youth Council. He soon became one of the organization’s leaders, advocating for the rights of American Indian people and protesting against the federal government’s treatment of indigenous communities.

Activism and Legacy

Means became a prominent figure in the American Indian Movement (AIM) in the 1970s, which aimed to fight against systemic racism and oppression of Native Americans. He was one of the leaders of the occupation of Wounded Knee in 1973, where AIM members and supporters took over the town to protest against the U.S. government’s treatment of indigenous people.

Means was also a vocal critic of the U.S. government’s treatment of American Indian communities and the systemic violence and racism they faced. He advocated for the rights of indigenous people to self-determination and sovereignty, and his activism helped bring attention to the issues that Native Americans faced.

Acting Career

Means was also an accomplished actor, appearing in numerous films and television shows during his career. He starred in the film “The Last of the Mohicans” and played the role of Chingachgook, the last chief of the Mohicans. He also appeared in the film “Natural Born Killers” and the television series “Walker, Texas Ranger.”

Means’ acting career helped bring attention to Native American issues and created more visibility for indigenous actors and artists in Hollywood.

Personal Life and Death

Means was married four times and had ten children. He continued to be involved in activism and advocacy work throughout his life, even after he was diagnosed with terminal cancer in 2011. He passed away on October 22, 2012, at the age of 72.

Means’ legacy continues to inspire indigenous and non-indigenous activists alike, and his work helped pave the way for greater visibility and representation for Native Americans in the United States.

Accomplishments and Awards

Means’ activism and advocacy work earned him numerous awards and recognition throughout his life. In 1987, he received the Oscar Howe Memorial Award for his contributions to American Indian art and culture. In 1995, he was inducted into the South Dakota Hall of Fame for his work in civil rights activism and indigenous rights.

Political Activism

Means’ political activism helped bring attention to the issues that Native American people faced and created a platform for indigenous voices to be heard. He was a vocal critic of the U.S. government’s policies towards Native Americans and advocated for the rights of indigenous people to self-determination and sovereignty.

Wounded Knee Occupation

Means was one of the leaders of the occupation of Wounded Knee in 1973, where AIM members and supporters took over the town to protest against the U.S. government’s treatment of indigenous people. The occupation lasted for 71 days and brought national attention to the issues faced by Native Americans.

International Advocacy

Means also worked on an international level to advocate for indigenous rights. He served as a representative of the United Nations on indigenous issues and was involved in creating the United Nations Declaration on the Rights of Indigenous Peoples.

Art and Culture

Means was also an accomplished artist and writer, and his work helped bring attention to the rich cultural traditions of Native American people. He wrote several books, including his autobiography “Where White Men Fear to Tread,” which chronicled his life and activism. He also worked as a musician and released several albums of traditional Native American music.

American Indian Movement

Means’ work with the American Indian Movement helped bring attention to the cultural traditions and art of indigenous people. The organization worked to preserve and promote traditional practices, including music, dance, and storytelling.

Acting Career

Means’ acting career helped bring attention to Native American issues and created more visibility for indigenous actors and artists in Hollywood. His role in “The Last of the Mohicans” helped bring attention to the Mohican people and their cultural traditions.

Conclusion

Russell Means was a prominent American Indian activist, actor, artist, and writer whose work helped bring attention to the issues faced by Native American people. His activism and advocacy work helped create a platform for indigenous voices to be heard, and his artistic contributions helped promote and preserve traditional Indigenous cultural practices. Means’ legacy continues to inspire and influence Indigenous and non-Indigenous activists and artists, and his work helped pave the way for greater visibility and representation for Native Americans in the United States.

Russell Means was a remarkable Native American activist, actor, and writer who left an indelible mark on American history. His tireless efforts to promote Native American rights and sovereignty, as well as his unwavering commitment to preserving the culture and traditions of his people, continue to inspire generations.

Means was a passionate advocate for Native American education, healthcare, and economic development. He believed in empowering Native communities to take control of their own destinies and to build strong, self-sustaining economies that could provide for the needs of their people. His advocacy work led to the establishment of several organizations dedicated to promoting Native American rights and sovereignty.

In addition to his activism, Means was also a talented actor and writer. His performances in films such as “The Last of the Mohicans” and “Natural Born Killers” earned him critical acclaim and helped to bring attention to the struggles of Native Americans. He was also the author of several books, including his memoir “Where White Men Fear to Tread,” which chronicled his life and activism.

Russell Means was a true icon of Native American activism and a champion for the rights and sovereignty of his people. He will always be remembered for his unwavering commitment to justice and equality, as well as his dedication to preserving the rich cultural heritage of Native Americans. His legacy continues to inspire new generations of activists and advocates, and his impact on American history will never be forgotten.