Russell Means

Definition

Russell Means was a prominent Native American activist and leader known for his role in advocating for Indigenous rights and sovereignty, particularly during the American Indian Movement (AIM) in the 1970s. He was a vocal critic of U.S. government policies towards Native Americans and worked tirelessly to raise awareness about Indigenous issues, including land rights and self-determination.

5 Must Know Facts For Your Next Test

1. Russell Means was born on the Pine Ridge Indian Reservation in South Dakota in 1939 and became a key figure in the Native American rights movement.
2. He played a significant role in the occupation of Alcatraz Island in 1969, which symbolized Indigenous resistance against U.S. government policies.
3. Means was known for his powerful speeches and activism that aimed to highlight the struggles and injustices faced by Native Americans.
4. In addition to his activism, he also had a career in acting and appeared in films like 'The Last of the Mohicans' and 'Natural Born Killers'.
5. Russell Means passed away in 2012, leaving behind a legacy of fighting for Indigenous rights, self-determination, and sovereignty.

Review Questions

• How did Russell Means contribute to the American Indian Movement and what were some key actions he took during this time?
  • Russell Means was a central figure in the American Indian Movement (AIM), where he advocated for Native American rights and highlighted injustices through direct action. One key action was his involvement in the 1973 Wounded Knee occupation, which aimed to draw attention to treaty violations and the government's treatment of Native Americans. His leadership during these pivotal events helped galvanize support for Indigenous issues and brought national attention to the struggles faced by Native peoples.
• Discuss the impact of Russell Means' activism on the perception of tribal sovereignty among both Indigenous communities and non-Native society.
  • Russell Means' activism significantly changed how tribal sovereignty was viewed by both Indigenous communities and non-Native society. His efforts emphasized the importance of self-determination for Native tribes, pushing for recognition of their inherent rights to govern themselves without external interference. Through his public speaking engagements and activism, he challenged misconceptions about Native Americans, fostering greater awareness and respect for their sovereignty among broader audiences.
• Evaluate Russell Means' legacy within the context of contemporary Indigenous rights movements and ongoing struggles for sovereignty.
  • Russell Means' legacy is profound within contemporary Indigenous rights movements as he laid foundational work that continues to inspire activists today. His advocacy for self-determination and awareness around treaty rights resonate with ongoing efforts to reclaim Indigenous sovereignty across North America. Current movements often draw on his strategies of direct action and political engagement to address modern challenges such as land disputes, environmental protection, and cultural preservation, demonstrating that his influence remains crucial in shaping the dialogue around Indigenous rights.

Related terms

American Indian Movement (AIM): A grassroots organization founded in 1968 to address systemic issues faced by Native Americans, including poverty, discrimination, and treaty rights.

Treaty Rights: Legal agreements between Indigenous tribes and the U.S. government that guarantee certain rights, including land use and resource management.

Sovereignty: The inherent authority of a tribe to govern itself, make its own laws, and manage its resources independently from state or federal control.