Russell Means, a renowned Oglala/Lakota Sioux Indian, made a significant impact as the first national director of the American Indian Movement (AIM). His prominent role during the 1973 standoff with the U.S. government at Wounded Knee further solidified his status as a champion of indigenous rights.
In 1987, Means made a bold move by joining the U.S. Libertarian Party and announcing his candidacy for the party's presidential nomination. Although he ultimately lost the nomination to Congressman Ron Paul, his efforts helped raise awareness about the struggles faced by indigenous peoples.
Since 1992, Means has expanded his reach beyond politics, appearing in a range of films, including The Last of the Mohicans (1992) and Natural Born Killers (1994). His dedication to advocating for the rights of indigenous peoples has extended beyond the United States, with him championing their causes in various countries.
In a powerful televised speech to the 2000 Libertarian Party National Convention, Means shared his thoughts on the labels used to describe indigenous peoples. He expressed a strong preference for the term "Indian" over the more commonly used "Native American", stating that everyone born in America is, by definition, a native American.
