Indigenous Peoples and Human Rights

September 8, 2013

Russell Means to be Honored in Denver Nov. 7 -- 10, 2013


Celebrating the Life and Legacy of Russell Means

http://russellmeanshonoring-denver.com/?p=1

'We should cherish this man as one of our greatest people." Vine Deloria, Jr., speaking of Russell Means.

Mitakuy Oyasin (we are all related)
Denver, CO – November 7 – 10
The Denver Russell Means Honoring Committee is working on a series of events to commemorate the life of Russell Means and honor him as a cultural, political, artistic visionary American Indian Leader. Russell Means was an Oglala Lakota patriot, a leader of the American Indian Movement and the Republic of Lakotah and he was described during his life as ‘the most famous American Indian of the 20th century’. Renowned scholar and writer, Vine Deloria, Jr., said “we should cherish this man as one of our greatest people.”
Russell began his journey to the spirit world of his ancestors on October 22, 2012, at his home in Porcupine, Pine Ridge Sioux Indian Reservation, Lakota Territory (South Dakota). In his life, Means took on many roles including a revolutionary indigenous political visionary, a traditional Lakota chief, a spiritual leader of the Sun Dance, author, artist and internationally known film actor (Last of the Mohicans”) and musician (“The Radical,” “Electric Warrior”). He was also trailblazer in calling for total immersion education for indigenous students.
On November 7 – 10, 2013, Russell’s family, friends and allies will host Mitakuye Oyasin – Celebrating the Life and Legacy of Russell Means, a series of events in Denver to remember and to honor the vast contributions of Russell Means in both the indigenous and non-indigenous world. The Committee is working on several events that include:
  • A Gala fundraising dinner with special guest entertainment to promote the creation of the “Russell Means Library” on the Pine Ridge Sioux Indian Reservation to continue Russell’s tireless efforts to educate the public on indigenous peoples treaty rights on Saturday November 9;
  • A public honoring for Russell Means and rally on Sunday November 10
  • A multi-day political symposium at the University of Colorado at Denver reflecting on the political impact of Russell Means’ life and work;
  • An art exhibition to display some of Russell’s most famous painting and etchings, and will include a signing by Russell’s wife, Pearl of his final book, “If You’ve Forgotten the Names of the Clouds, You’ve Lost your Way”.
  • A film series, showcasing the films in which Russell acted. This will include a series of panels featuring fellow actors, directors and academic/cultural commentators.
The Committee anticipates that representatives from several Tribes as well as international and nationally known and respected political and humanitarian leaders will participate on panels, present speeches or artistic presentations or simply be in attendance.
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Comment by Censored News

In honor of Russell, I was searching for some of my photos of Russell, and instead found this, which seems a good way to honor him on this day.
It is from Oct. 2004, and an article I wrote when the Columbus Day protest was placed on the terror watch list. It was absurd of course, and the sort of thing Russell always reveled in when absurdities became public. " ... The global terrorist 'Security Watch' listed the Afghan vote, Iraq rebels, Pakistan violence, Bosnian Serbs and Australian politics as the top five risks for Oct. 10.
'Native Americans Protest Columbus Day,' was number six and even beat out 'Russia, Iran close to deal on spent nuclear fuel.'
The terrorist security watch article appeared after American Indians and their supporters held a peaceful protest in downtown Denver and blocked the Columbus Day Parade on Oct. 9. Denver police arrested, charged and released 205 adults and 25 children, with no incidences of violence."
In one of his powerful talks, Russell spoke of Obama and Palestine.
Russell said, "Every policy the Palestinians are now enduring was practiced on the American Indian."
Re more at 'Russell Means breaks the silence on Obama'
http://bsnorrell.blogspot.com/2009/01/russell-means-breaking-silence-on-obama.html
Thank you Russell.
Brenda Norrell, Censored News

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