Russell Means
Oglala Lakota activist, actor, and leader in the American Indian Movement.
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.
- died
- October 22, 2012
- field
- Activism, politics, acting, music, writing
- nationality
- Oglala Lakota, American
Lore & Background
Later, he worked internationally with the International Indian Treaty Council and traveled to Germany, East Germany, and Switzerland for human rights conferences. In the 1980s, AIM split into factions, with Means supporting the Miskito group MISURASATA in Nicaragua.
Reader's Guide
Russell Means remains a significant and controversial figure in Native American activism. His work extended beyond the United States to Central and South America and the United Nations, advocating for indigenous rights on a global stage. His political career included a contested run for tribal presidency and later involvement in libertarian politics. Means' autobiography, Where White Men Fear to Tread, provides his personal account of his life and activism. His impact is measured both by his role in elevating Native American issues in public discourse and by the enduring controversies within the movement he helped lead.
Did You Know?
- Means was given the Lakota name Waŋblí Ohítika, meaning 'Brave Eagle,' by his mother.
Frequently Asked Questions
What acting roles is Russell Means known for?
He appeared in the film The Last of the Mohicans and voiced a character in the animated feature Pocahontas. These roles extended his public visibility well beyond the political and activist spheres.
How did Russell Means's life end?
He died on October 22, 2012, at the age of 72. His legacy persisted through the indigenous-rights advocacy and cultural work he championed over several decades.
Why is Russell Means important to modern political activism?
He linked the struggle for Native American rights to broader indigenous movements in Central and South America and pushed for recognition at the United Nations. His combination of direct action, public speaking, and artistic expression made him one of the most influential Native American political figures of the late twentieth century.
More in Modern Political Activists And Theorists 1-24
Elsewhere in the Modern Political Activists And Theorists universe
Spotted an error? Know more?
This is a living reference — every entry is fact-audited, and reader corrections feed straight into our audit queue. Suggest an edit · See this site's audit record