Russell Means, Indian Activist, Actor, Dies At 72

Former American Indian Movement activist and actor Russell Means has died.

 

 

 

 

SIOUX FALLS, S.D. (AP) - Former American Indian Movement activist and actor Russell Means has died.

Oglala Sioux Tribe spokeswoman Donna Salomon says Means died Monday morning at his ranch in Porcupine, S.D. Means was 72.

Means helped lead the 1973 uprising at Wounded Knee, reveled in stirring up attention and appeared in Hollywood films, including "The Last of the Mohicans."

The Wanblee native grew up in the San Francisco area. He developed inoperable throat cancer and chose American Indian and alternative remedies over mainstream medical treatments.

AIM was founded in the late 1960s to protest the government's treatment of Native Americans and demand the government honor its treaties with Indian tribes. It was often embroiled in controversy, partly because of its alleged involvement in the 1975 murder of Annie Mae Aquash.

(photo courtesy Facebook)

 

AP

   

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