Russell Means, an Oglala Lakota leader and activist, was born on November 10, 1939, on the Pine Ridge Indian Reservation in South Dakota. Raised in a time of significant injustice and neglect toward Native American communities, Means became a passionate advocate for Indigenous rights. In the 1970s, he emerged as a prominent leader of the American Indian Movement (AIM), which sought to address systemic inequality, reclaim Native lands, and protect cultural heritage. Means was a central figure in the 1973 occupation of Wounded Knee, where Native activists staged a 71-day standoff with federal authorities to protest the U.S. government’s disregard for Native rights. This event catapulted him into the national spotlight, making him a voice for Indigenous peoples across the country.
In addition to his activism, Means was also a well-known actor and author, using his fame to raise awareness about the challenges facing Native Americans. He appeared in films like The Last of the Mohicans (1992) and Natural Born Killers (1994), and wrote his autobiography, Where White Men Fear to Tread. His advocacy expanded to addressing issues of sovereignty and self-determination for Native nations, criticizing both the U.S. government and mainstream media for their role in perpetuating stereotypes and marginalizing Indigenous communities. Means continued his activism throughout his life, becoming a symbol of resistance and resilience for many, until his passing in 2012.
