Russell Means
Oglala Lakota activist, actor, and leader in the American Indian Movement.
He became a prominent member of the American Indian Movement (AIM) after joining in December 1969 and helped organize 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.
- field
- Activism, politics, acting, music, writing
- nationality
- Oglala Lakota / American
Lore & Background
In the late 1970s, he turned to international indigenous rights work, including with the United Nations. In the 1980s, AIM split over support for Nicaraguan indigenous groups; Means supported the Miskito group MISURASATA.
Reader's Guide
Russell Means was a central figure in the American Indian Movement, helping to bring national and international attention to Native American rights through high-profile protests and occupations. His activism extended beyond the United States to Central and South America and the United Nations. His life reflected the struggles of indigenous peoples for sovereignty, recognition, and justice, and he remains one of the most widely known Native American activists of the late 20th century.
Did You Know?
- Means was given the Lakota name Waŋblí Ohítika, meaning 'Brave Eagle', by his mother.
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