Activist, Actor Russell Means Dead at 72

[Keith Millea]

Published on Monday, October 22, 2012 by Common Dreams

Activist, Actor Russell Means Dead at 72

- Common Dreams staff

Activist and actor Russell Means died on Monday in Porcupine, S.D. at the age of 72.



The Oglala Sioux was an early leader in the American Indian Movement (AIM) and had been battling throat cancer for years.

In 1973 Means was one of the leaders of a 71-day uprising at Wounded Knee in South Dakota between Lakota and FBI and law enforcement agents.

Means also acted in a number of movies including the role of chief Chingachgook in The Last of the Mohicans.

Means' wife and children released this statement on his passing:

Our dad and husband, now walks among our ancestors. He began his journey to the spirit world at 4:44 am, with the Morning Star, at his home and ranch in Porcupine. There will be four opportunities for the people to honor his life to be announced at a later date. Thank you for your prayers and continued support. We love you. As our dad and husband would always say, "May the Great Mystery continue to guide and protect the paths of you and your loved ones."