Russell Means
Oglala Lakota activist (1939–2012) / From Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia
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Russell Charles Means (November 10, 1939 – October 22, 2012) was an Oglala Lakota activist for the rights of American Indians and all oppressed First Nation Americans, libertarian political activist, actor, musician and writer. He became a prominent member of the American Indian Movement (AIM) after joining the organization in 1968 and helped organize notable events that attracted national and international media coverage.
Russell Means | |
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Waŋblí Ohítika | |
![]() Means at the Illinois Libertarian Party convention in Chicago in 1988 | |
Born | Russell Charles Means (1939-11-10)November 10, 1939 |
Died | October 22, 2012(2012-10-22) (aged 72) Rapid City, South Dakota, U.S. |
Resting place | Cremains scattered at the Black Hills |
Nationality | Oglala Sioux American |
Occupations |
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Years active | 1968–2012 |
Political party | Libertarian (1988–2012) |
Other political affiliations | American Indian Movement (1968–1988) |
Spouse |
Pearl Means (m. 1999) |
Children | 10, including Tatanka Means[lower-alpha 1] |
Means was active in international issues of indigenous peoples, including working with groups in Central and South America and with the United Nations for recognition of their rights. He was active in politics at his native Pine Ridge Indian Reservation and at the state and national level.
Beginning an acting career in 1992, he appeared on numerous television series and in several films, including The Last of the Mohicans and Pocahontas and released his own music CD. Means published his autobiography Where White Men Fear to Tread in 1995.