- Details
- By Neely Bardwell
This week on Native Bidaské (Spotlight), Native News Online editor Levi Rickert welcomed legendary Olympic Gold Medalist Billy Mills (Oglala Sioux Tribe) to the show to discuss how he triumphed over obstacles he encountered during his life.
Mills, Oglala Sioux, took home the Olympic Gold in the 10,000-meter race in the 1964 Summer Olympics in Tokyo. He is the only American to ever win the event, and this race is considered one of the greatest upsets in Olympic history.
Want more Native News? Get the free daily newsletter today.
Since winning the gold medal, Mills worked to raise millions of dollars to assist Native American youth through the Running Strong for American Indian Youth organization, a non-profit organization he founded. He continues to be a strong advocate for Indian Country and a cherished hero and role model.
During this episode Mills told Rickert:
“I want the youth to know that it takes a dream. For me, it took a dream to heal a broken soul, and as Indigenous people we’ve all faced trauma. So, I want them to know that a dream is vital. We need the dream. The dream is what takes you to a passion. You develop the skills to reach the passion and you bring them together and magical things happen. I want all young people to know that they are our future.”
More Stories Like This
San Carlos Apache 22-Year-Old Man Arrested for Setting Fire on Reservation That Destroyed 21 HousesNational Native American Hall of Fame Appoints E. Sequoyah Simermeyer to Board of Directors
State of Michigan to Provide $1.25 Million to Ste. Marie Tribe for Its Homeless Shelter
Vice President Harris Campaigns in Milwaukee for First Rally
Another Option for VP: Interior Secretary Deb Haaland
Join us in observing 100 years of Native American citizenship. On June 2, 1924, President Calvin Coolidge signed the Indian Citizenship Act, granting Native Americans US citizenship, a pivotal moment in their quest for equality. This year marks its centennial, inspiring our special project, "Heritage Unbound: Native American Citizenship at 100," observing their journey with stories of resilience, struggle, and triumph. Your donations fuel initiatives like these, ensuring our coverage and projects honoring Native American heritage thrive. Your donations fuel initiatives like these, ensuring our coverage and projects honoring Native American heritage thrive.
