Russell Means (Lakota: Oyate Wacinyapin; is one of contemporary America's best-known and prolific activists for the rights of American Indians. Means has also pursued careers in politics, acting, and music.In 1968, Means joined the American Indian Movement and quickly became one of its most prominent leaders. In 1969, Means was part of a group of Native Americans that occupied Alcatraz Island for a period of 19 months. He was appointed the group's first national director in 1970. Later that year, Means was one of the leaders of AIM's takeover of Mount Rushmore. In 1972, he participated in AIM's takeover of the Bureau of Indian Affairs office in Washington, D.C., and in 1973 he led AIM's occupation of Wounded Knee, which became the group's most well-known action.
Ran for the nomination of the Libertarian Party as its candidate for President of the United States in 1988.
Running for governor of New Mexico as an Independant, was a Libertarian candidate but left party October 21
Previous occupations include assistant golf pro, ballroom dance instructor, computer programmer, systems management director, and accountant.
Father of actor Tatanka Means Nataanii Nez Means Scott Means.
In 1976, Andy Warhol made a portrait of Means, as part of his "American Indian Series" of portraits. The portrait can be viewed as part of the collection of the Dayton (Ohio) Art Institute, among other institutions.
He had 10 children.
According to a report following his death, he had been married 4 times and survived by 10 children.
Golden eagles don`t mate with bald eagles, deer don`t mate with antelope, gray wolves don`t mate with red wolves. Just look at domesticated animals, at mongrel dogs, and mixed breed horses, and you`ll know the Great Mystery didn`t intend them to be that way. We weakened the species and introduced disease by mixing what should be kept seperate. Among humans, intermarriage weakens the respect people have for themselves and for their traditions. It undermines clarity of spirit and mind.
If I want my people to be free, Americans have to be free.
It takes a strong effort on the part of each American Indian not to become Europeanized. The strength for this effort can only come from the traditional ways, the traditional values that our elders retain.
I had often wondered how to best decolonize my people. . . It must be done one human being at a time. Without that kind of help, Western society does not allow people to come to terms with their feelings. With honesty and therapy, my people can be made whole again. .
