From the 2000 Archives: Russell Means (d. 2021) — Oglala Lakota Activist for Native American Rights, Political Activist, Actor, Musician and Writer

Russell Charles Means (November 10, 1939 – October 22, 2012) was an Oglala Lakota activist for the rights of Native 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. 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. He was given the name Waŋblí Ohítika meaning “Brave Eagle” in the Lakota language. He talks about an array of topic but mostly patriarchy and matriarchy, and what it means to become a “Pow Wow” Indian.