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Russell Means Obituary

AIM ex-leader provoked officials, allies alike

SIOUX FALLS, S.D. Russell Means spent a lifetime as a modern American Indian warrior. He railed against broken treaties, fought for the return of stolen land and even took up arms against the federal government.

As an early leader of the American Indian Movement, he called national attention to the plight of impoverished tribes and often lamented the waning of Indian culture. After leaving AIM in the 1980s, the handsome, braided activist remained a cultural presence, appearing in several movies.

Mr. Means, who died Monday from throat cancer at age 72, helped lead the 1973 uprising at Wounded Knee a bloody confrontation that raised America's awareness about the struggles of Indians and gave rise to a wider protest movement that lasted the rest of the decade.

Before AIM, there had been few national advocates for Native Americans. Mr. Means sought to restore Indians' pride in their culture and to challenge a government that had paid little attention to tribes in generations. He also was one of the first advocates for doing away with sports teams' Indian names and mascots.

"No one except Hollywood stars and very rich Texans wore Indian jewelry," Means said, recalling the early days of the movement. And there were dozens, if not hundreds, of athletic teams "that in essence were insulting us, from grade schools to college," by having Indian mascots and names. "That's all changed."

AIM was founded in the late 1960s to demand that the government honor its treaties with American Indian tribes. The movement eventually faded away, Mr. Means said, as Native Americans became more self-aware and self-determined.

There had been plenty of American Indian activists before AIM, but the movement became the "radical media gorilla," said Paul DeMain, editor of News From Indian Country, a national newspaper focused on tribal affairs.

"If someone needed help, you called on the American Indian Movement, and they showed up and caused all kind of ruckus and looked beautiful on a 20-second clip on TV that night," DeMain said.

Mr. Means and one of AIM's co-founders, Dennis Banks, were charged in 1974 for their role in the Wounded Knee uprising in which hundreds of protesters occupied the southwest South Dakota town on the site of the 1890 Indian massacre.

Protesters and federal authorities were locked in a standoff for 71 days and frequently exchanged gunfire. Before it was over, two tribal members were killed and a federal agent was seriously wounded.

After a trial that lasted several months, a judge threw out the charges on grounds of government misconduct.

Other protests led by Mr. Means included an American Indian prayer vigil on top of Mount Rushmore and the seizure of a replica of the Mayflower in Plymouth, Mass., on Thanksgiving Day.

But Mr. Means' constant quest for the spotlight raised doubts about his motives. Critics who included many fellow tribe members said his main interest was building his own notoriety.

Mr. Means said his most important accomplishment was the proposal for the Republic of Lakotah, a plan to carve out a sovereign Indian nation inside the United States. He took the idea all the way to the United Nations, even though it was ignored by tribal governments closer to home, including his own Oglala Sioux leaders, with whom he often clashed.

For decades, Mr. Means was dogged by questions about whether the group promoted violence, especially the 1975 slaying of a woman in the tribe and the gunbattles with federal agents at Wounded Knee.

Authorities believe three AIM members shot and killed Annie Mae Aquash on the Pine Ridge reservation on the orders of someone in AIM's leadership because they suspected she was an FBI informant.

Two activists Arlo Looking Cloud and John Graham were both eventually convicted of murder. The third was never charged.

Also in 1975, murder charges were filed against Mr. Means and Dick Marshall, an AIM member, in the shooting death of a Sioux man at a saloon in the town of Scenic. Marshall served 24 years in prison. Mr. Means was acquitted.

His activism extended to tribes beyond the United States. In the mid-1980s, Mr. Means traveled to Nicaragua to support indigenous Miskito Indians who were fighting the Sandinista government.

Born on the Pine Ridge Indian Reservation, Mr. Means grew up in the San Francisco area and battled drugs and alcohol as a young man.

With his rugged good looks and long, dark braids, he later landed a handful of Hollywood roles, most notably in the 1992 movie "The Last of the Mohicans." He portrayed Chingachgook alongside Daniel Day-Lewis' Hawkeye.

He also appeared in the 1994 film "Natural Born Killers," provided the voice of Chief Powhatan in the 1995 animated film "Pocahontas" and guest-starred in 2004 on the HBO series "Curb Your Enthusiasm."

Mr. Means ran unsuccessfully for the Libertarian nomination for president in 1988 and briefly served as a vice presidential candidate in 1984 on the ticket of Hustler publisher Larry Flynt.

Means always considered himself a Libertarian and couldn't believe anyone would want to be known as a Republican or a Democrat.

"It's just unconscionable that America has become so stupid," he said.

Means often refused interviews and verbally blasted journalists who showed up to cover his public appearances. Instead, he chose to speak to his fan base through YouTube videos and blog posts on his website.

Means wrote an autobiography, "Where White Men Fear to Tread." He said he pulled no punches in the book.

"I tell the truth and I expose myself as a weak, misguided, misdirected, dysfunctional human being I used to be," he said.

Means died at his ranch in Porcupine, S.D. He announced in August 2011 that he had inoperable throat cancer and told The Associated Press that he would forgo mainstream medicine in favor of traditional American Indian remedies.

Means' death came a day after former Sen. George McGovern died in Sioux Falls at the age of 90. McGovern had traveled to Wounded Knee with then-Sen. James Abourezk during the takeover to try to negotiate an end to hostilities.

"I've lost two good friends in a matter of two to three days," Abourezk said Monday. "I don't pretend to understand it."

Published by The Record/Herald News on Oct. 23, 2012.

Memories and Condolences
for Russell Means

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621 Entries

We have been honored by the great spirit to have you in our sacred place. You have forever changed our lives. We are both Indian. I, Daniel recently found out. May the great spirit pour blessings upon your Lakota reservation. Russell; fly high great warrior, you earned every feather, fly higher than the sky. The great mother shall be renewed again!

Daniel And Jackie McCarty

June 30, 2022

I miss Russell now more then ever. Another daughter "Sherry-Elizabeth" you were the best teacher dad love you Toksa akne

sherry-elizabeth

October 25, 2021

Rest in peace, great warrior, your legacy will never be forgotten. I was born in Europe but I always was fascinated with American Indian culture and their struggle for freedom. Since I was teenager, Russel Means was my hero. I saw him once in person and I briefly spoke to him, during his lecture in Learning Annex, back in 2001. I brought his book to the meeting and he sighed it for me. He will be missed greatly.

Rena Effend

Acquaintance

April 18, 2021

We more people like Russell means R.I.p.

Zlexis Lisenbee

Brother

October 11, 2019

REST IN PEACE,BROTHER,YOUR ADVOCACY FOR OUR PEOPLE WILL LIVE FOREVER...HOKA HEY

ROBIN THUNDER BIGSNAKE

August 21, 2019

I did not know the gent but rest in peace Sir.

Derek Humphreys

Student

June 27, 2019

I pray your spirit soars high.

Tris Williams

Acquaintance

September 11, 2018

You are SOOO needed right now! Thank the Creator for the videos!

Jeannie Carle

November 8, 2016

Thank you Sir for your courage. Thank you for clearing a pathway for others to follow. May those you love be protected & blessed. Thank you for your books, your videos, thank you for all that you've done for the people....

Dianna Bryant

August 28, 2016

To one of many highly intelligent native American indigenous peaple the world is less of a place with out you.

mark DEcloedt

February 24, 2016

He will be greatly missed,he was the voice for many who would never have been heard.

David Hendricks

October 25, 2015

I was in the Knee with him.Wish I knew half of what he knew.Very Smart man.Enjoyed his Senate hearing speech.

Strawberry

May 15, 2015

To a man that did so for his people. He stood up and did what he needed to do. Activist. somes it all up. R.I.P. RUSSELL MEANS

jóanna thomas

April 2, 2015

Fly with the Eagles

graham moule

March 14, 2015

RIP,my uppermost respect is going out to him of what he was & of what he have done for his people & other Native American tribes.
He have shared the truth & his wisdom with the world,a precious legacy!!!
Him going over to the spirit world is a huge loss for the world,for humanity...but his legacy lives on & in our hearts he lives Forever!!!

Sylvia Lovelace

September 21, 2014

My Father introduced me as a Child to Russells Stand... I have a fond memory of him and those that stood with him... I wish you Gods Speed..

mary spicer

August 18, 2014

RIP 2 A TRUE HERO OF TURTLE ISLAND... 4EVER IN THE STILL UNPAID DEBT The White Eyes caused Our TRUE HOSTS!
SAMUEL QUINTANA—Basque Shepherd.
Thank The Lakota for pointing The Way.
Forever in your debt Russell & The rest of the Indigenous First Native Peoples of YOUR LAND.

samuel quintana. Sr.

July 21, 2014

RIP 2 A TRUE HERO OF TURTLE ISLAND... 4EVER IN THE STILL UNPAID DEBT The White Eyes caused Our TRUE HOSTS!
SAMUEL QUINTANA—Basque Shepherd.
Thank The Lakota for pointing The Way.
Forever in you debt Russell & The rest of the Indigenous First Native Peoples of YOUR LAND.

samuel quintana. Sr.

July 21, 2014

always wanted to meet this man, however, I would have be probably so intimidated, I would've just messed it up... I mean, what would I say to such an inspiring man

January 14, 2014

Russell Means what you did for the Native Nation is plant a seed. For me the Memories will last forever. My prays to the family.

Harrison Fobb

May 28, 2013

REST IN PEACE, AND THANK YOU FOR STANDING!MINISTER BRENDA BROWN

Minister Brenda Brown

May 7, 2013

I did not know Mr. Means. However, I was introduced to him through is film "Last of the Mohegans". His performance was powerful. I later learned about his personal life. Thank you for your work in all areas.
R. Ferguson

Ron Ferguson

May 2, 2013

My greatest hero, miss you. rest in peace.

Garfield Means

April 13, 2013

I had the privilege of meeting and working with Russell Means in LA. I don't think I will ever realize the level of greatness that stood before me. May we all take a piece of his spirit, entertwined with our own and live as he did

T

March 12, 2013

Ernest R Corallo

Ernest Corallo

February 21, 2013

Rest in peace, Russell. You will be remembered in many of our hearts. You walked the walk, I'm proud to say you are my friend. Kelly jones-Johnson-holmes.

February 8, 2013

R.i.p russell means u will be missed...

Amber Dawns

January 15, 2013

Russell Means, may you fly with great eagle wings strength to the Great Spirit of our ancestors, and rest in peace, knowing the accomplishments you made for your heritage here on mother earth.

Rita (Wanta) Heart

December 31, 2012

R.I.P russell see you.

December 30, 2012

I met and talked with Russell on the movie set of WINDRUNNER, a film we both appeared in. He was a good spirit -

Zane Parker

December 28, 2012

December 10, 2012

Russ Means came to Navajoland/bordertowns to support our struggles, part of ceremonies and marriage. We rode together during the Trail of Broken Treaties/Caravan-1972; the Longest Walk-1978 and our support at Wounded Knee II-1973. Aho>To our Kola..To All Our Relations

December 10, 2012

His loss is great.

Richard Biddleman

December 7, 2012

I guess he did come back as lightening. What an amazing thing... what an amazing man he was, humble, and strong. Peace be with his family and friends in their great loss.

Celia Javadi

November 29, 2012

the passing of russell means is a loss to lots of people. he will be missed!!!! love, sue & kickapoo

sue & kickapoo thunder

November 16, 2012

RUSSELL MEANS Brother of LIFE u are here with us here in theee circle of life with in all walks of LIFE we are many in TRUTH in all walks of life peace brother trutth never goes there`s many of u brother ahho.

Hawk L Newton

November 15, 2012

A true warrior for the people, RIP.

Linda Heller

November 11, 2012

Russell Means was possibly the greatest Warrior Chief of our times. He has left behind him the admiration and awe worthy of such a Great Leader. We mourn his loss and he will always have an important place in our hearts and in history.
May God bring solace to his family during this very difficult time.

Sharon Martinez

November 6, 2012

A great voice has been silenced. My admiration for Russell Means will never dim.

Jennie Plessinger

November 6, 2012

God watch over you and your family, Russell! Thank you so much for your time with us!

Rich Federici

November 5, 2012

Russell Means is a Legend,hero,inspiration and a real man of conviction never backing down when fighting for good causes.He will live forever in our hearts and souls.He takes his place with the great leaders among the stars.Even in his last days he was gracious enough to sign his book for me dated 10/6/12 also pictured is a first edition I plan to give my Mom for Christmas. She is also a big fan. I cryed for Russell like when my Dad passed from cancer.R.I.P oh great one!

Colby Clifford

November 4, 2012

My heart will be forever saddened - we have lost a great leader.

Peggy Rossignol

November 4, 2012

May your memories stay alive through the people.United 'Indians Of All Tribes'Coeurd'Alene Tribe.Darrel Brealan HOKAHAY

Darrel Brealan

November 3, 2012

My heart is saddened - we have lost a great leader...

Lorrie Lunnon

November 2, 2012

My condolences to the family of Russel Means. He made great contributions to lives of First Nations Indians! May he rest in peace.
M. Small Legs (Calgary, AB.)

M Small Legs

November 2, 2012

Let the Great Spirit guide you Russell. My condolences to his family. I met Russell when I was just 14 years old, I didn't know much about nothing back then, but to have him shake my hand and tell me something I will never forget was so awesome!! He said to me, "Always keep your long hair - it's sign of your native american woman strength..."

Cheryl Benally-Johnson

November 2, 2012

Free Humanity will not forget you, we will carry your message forward! Sorrow heels all wounds and teaches us to move forward with the lessons we have learned. May we all have the inner strength to stand as you stood through your life. Thanks for your service to peace and freedom you will not be forgotten!

Jeremy Sauer

November 2, 2012

May you rest in peace

latoya neely

November 1, 2012

Rest In Peace, Brother Russell Means.
A Brother, a Hero, a Family Man in the least, will be greatly missed and his legacy will forever live on...
My sincere condolences to the Means family...
Thank you Brother Russell Means.

A, MorningStar

November 1, 2012

May the creator be with the family to comfort them during this time of loss.

Mr. and Mrs. Land-Hutchinson

October 31, 2012

RIP Russell, The great spirit will guide you...

Little Fox.

October 31, 2012

Rest in Peace Russell.

Ellen Owens-Hauser

October 31, 2012

I wish his family peace!

Donna Byrd

October 31, 2012

May his spirit fly's free and he at peace.He Will be missed..Prayers to Russell, and his family.. Mitakuye Oyasin

Patricia Turk

October 30, 2012

much love to you brother, with you now with all of our ancestors I'm sure the winds of change will come, see you around <3

Tina Amor

October 30, 2012

REBECCA BATTIEST

October 29, 2012

I was mortified to hear of Mister Means passing. May his spirit fly free and be at peace. He was truly a formidable presence that will be missed, as the Grizzly bear is missed wherever it has disappeared from the wilderness.....

Lane Batot

October 29, 2012

Great man and great person. Rest in peace! He's in my memory

Mónica Martín

October 29, 2012

RIP




RIP

Myra Dore

October 29, 2012

Was a great man. Leader of many. loved by all. Prayers are with you at this time of sorrow

Nancy Perkins

October 29, 2012

GREAT MAN OF OUR TIME ,will be missed ,i will never forget you ,,

adrian case

October 28, 2012

An extraordinary personality which exists of the right mixture of courage, sharp mind and excellent humor. Many thanks for the legacy by the interessting and instructive speeches. Sincere condolences of the family.

Herby

October 28, 2012

Immense loss, immense grief.
Much respect to you Russel, I miss you. My thoughts go to your family and to the wonderfull native american nation.
Love.
Louise, Besançon France.

Louise

October 28, 2012

Tatanka, Natanii, and Family, our condolences for your loss. Your father was a great and special man, he will Always be remembered, Love, Sharilyn Whitewater and Moon Hart (navajo nation, az)

sharilyn whitewater

October 27, 2012

Stay close.......

Dione

October 27, 2012

You were "my hero",and now you are my "hero & angel".Watch over me.Stay Close R.I.P

Dione

October 27, 2012

Many prayers on your journey...You will be missed but remembered always

gail lichtsinn

October 27, 2012

My Hero has passed into the next world...he will be missed and always remembered.RIP Russell

Linda Ferguson

October 27, 2012

Rest In Peace

Caitlin

October 27, 2012

I guess that you are now soaring with the Eagles in their magnificient strength, courage and insite. You were an inspiration to so many of us in the way that you led your life. May your journey to the other side be one of peace and serenity knowing that you carried yourself with integrity and touched so many live and taught so many how to live. Namasta my friend! Dusty

Dusty Debandi

October 27, 2012

PILAMIYA FOR ALL THE LIVES THAT HAVE BEEN TOUCHED BY YOUR SPIRIT. PRAYERS TO ALL THE FAMILY.

MARLES BLACKBIRD

October 27, 2012

Pilamaya ye Oyate Wacinyapin.
Prayers rising on smoke from my heart . . . . . . .
My sincere condolences to all the family.
Mitakuye Oyasin

rosemary rannes

October 27, 2012

I was at one point lost and ashamed until i met mr. means when he was speaking in a class i was taking. he brought pride to my heart and gave me a place in this world. I am proud to be a native woman ha-ho russell for opening my eyes. I pray that you are resting in peace, the creator knows that you deserve it for all that you have done for our people.

Misty Friday

October 26, 2012

May you rest for eternity in the Sacred Black Hills , your Paha Sapa ! , join the Elders and be happy untill thend of time Russell ! , you'll never be forgoten .

David Durban

October 26, 2012

To the Means Family: May you find great strength and peace in Russell's spiritual journey. A man with much wisdom and character that will be forever remembered and greatly missed. Cante Etanhan Owoglake, toksha ake wacinyuanktin ktelo...

DInah Dotson

October 26, 2012

May the great spirit raise his soul in joy and peace just as during his lifetime he raised his voice for the good of all our tribes and left works and words of kindness that will live forever in our hearts

patricia wahoseyapeh van alstyne

October 26, 2012

Russell Means Many Blessings on your Sacred Passage to join the Elders. Thank you for your contributions to all Indigenous People. Your Love, Presence, Wisdom, Spirit, Light shall forever be present and felt amongst Peoples around the world. You walked in Tradition, the Way of our Ancestors ...always honoring the Red Road. Blessings to your family...may they be well and joyous in their memories. Wakan Tankan Nici Un.

~Kathleen Johnson, Denver, Colorado

Kathleen Johnson

October 26, 2012

Prayers to all of you in this time of deep sympathy.

Smiling Butterfly

October 26, 2012

To the Means Family,
You have lost a father, husband, uncle, brother...but his spirit will live on in your hearts.

Lauren Spear

October 26, 2012

In my heart I see him riding the slaughtered white tatanka running free.We will feel their power whenever lightening strikes.
4:44 TRULY WAKAN.

tasunka maza

October 26, 2012

Russell, Your Spirit Lives Free Unto Millions Scored and Unto God's Masterplan.

We Will Meet Again My Friend

Gipet' Ironwing

October 26, 2012

Russell Means. Egweeyen. "Thanks." A true Native Hero. For all Indigenous Peoples. Your power and presence will be there. As we sing the great anthem of the American Indian Movement. - Ross Cooper. "ShipShe." Prairie Band Bodewadmi." Kansas.

Ross Cooper

October 26, 2012

We give thanks for his life and journey; with all his courage and frailities, he gave us hope. Our prayers for the Means family.

Ken Hayden

October 26, 2012

RIP Russell!!! You will be missed but know that your legacy lives on! Wado for all you have done for the People. Prayers for your family. Rest now in the arms of the ancestors! I will be ever watchful for the lightening and thunder!!!!

October 26, 2012

On behalf of Incomindios Switzerland I would like to express my sincere condolences on the death of Russell Means.

Sari Miettinen

October 26, 2012

You were my hero! I admired you and wished I were there in person during AIM. We will never forget you for what you've done for our natives of this country. You freed us from many oppressions and I know you will be back someday to help in Spirit, you will be a strong Spirit. Condeslences & Sympathy to the family of Russell Means. Aho From Roberta(Long Chase)Bell & Family

Roberta Long Chase-Bell

October 26, 2012

May we never forget your commitment and your vision, and may we never give up the honorable battle for humanity. Tunkasila bless this powerful, true, human being on his journey and thank you for gifting him to us for this time. Pila maya yelo.

Jason Crazy Bear Campos-Keck

October 26, 2012

Jeannie Coomes

October 25, 2012

May the Tunkasila's continue to watch over Russell in the spirit world and bless him! Also blessings on his family and loved ones. I knew him briefly in the 70's in Missoula, Montana. He was a good man!
O Mitakuye Oyasin

Linda Armstrong Hansen

October 25, 2012

Please know that one day very soon our loving Creator will bring to reality the world that Mr. Means so longed for...These are promises that will never be broken..."he will deliver the poor one crying for help...also the afflicted one who has no helper....from oppression and from violence he will redeem their soul.."Psalms 72:13,14.

October 25, 2012

He was a strong man and a good leader and an inspiration to many...I met him back in the l970's in Missoula, Montana and it was obvious he had strength and power and I believe it is from believing in the Indian way of life and living it and talking his sioux language...He is with the Creator now and he may come back as lightening as he said in one of his videos....

Scnpaqci (Salish Tribe)

October 25, 2012

Russell Means will be missed, not only by his loved ones, but also by those who learned to stand up for our people by watching him. I thank Grandfather for sharing him with us. The Means family will be in our hearts and prayers. I and my family learned much from his lessons and example

kaz Jackson

October 25, 2012

He was a strong man and a good leader and an inspiration to many...I met him back in the l970's in Missoula, Montana and it was obvious he had strength and power and I believe it is from believing in the Indian way of life and living it and talking his sioux language...He is with the Creator now and he may come back as lightening as he said in one of his videos....

October 25, 2012

myself and the american indian house in nyc send our condolence. yes we did lost a great leader. strengt and blessing 2 families miriam busjit.

miriam busjit

October 25, 2012

tasunka maza

October 25, 2012

R.I.P. brother...you were always our hero. You will be very missed. I greatly admire your work you have done for your nation. It is a great loss to all who love you ... my heart still crying ...
Condolences to your whole family from the Czech Republic.

Hanka Hanušová

October 25, 2012

Russell Means will be missed, not only by his loved ones, but also by those who learned to stand up for our people by watching him. I thank our Creator for sharing him with us.

Roxanne Carlson

October 25, 2012

Grant that i may not criticize my neibor until i have walked a mile in his shoes
Anthony "Tony" Cisneros
(Chadron,Ne)

October 25, 2012

The Great Spirit will walk with you in the clouds above Mother Earth and keep watch over your people.

Qualodi Quadla

October 25, 2012

This world has lost a great leader and defender of all Native peoples. The next world has gained a great spirit. Prayers to the family.

Dawn

October 25, 2012

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