fbpx
facebook app symbol  twitter  linkedin  instagram 1
 

Join Native News Online Publisher Levi Rickert on this week’s Native Bidaské as he interviews Olympic Gold Medalist Billy Mills (Oglala Lakota) about his new children’s book, “Wings of an Eagle."

Mills is an Olympic gold medalist, author, and co-founder of Running Strong for American Indian Youth, a nonprofit organization that supports the critical needs of Native communities. He grew up on the Pine Ridge Indian Reservation and now travels around the world inspiring audiences to embrace unity through diversity while learning from historical injustices. 

Never miss Indian Country’s biggest stories and breaking news. Sign up to get our reporting sent straight to your inbox every weekday morning. 

After winning the Gold Medal in the 10,000-meter race at the 1964 Tokyo Olympics in an upset, Mills used his fame to improve the lives of Native Americans, particularly Native youth. 

In 1986, he started a non-profit organization called Running Strong for American Indian Youth. He joined forces with Eugene Krizek, founder of Christian Relief Services. Since then, the organization has raised millions of dollars to provide basic needs for poor Native Americans. 

Mills shares with Rickert the reason he released “Wings of an Eagle” at this time and discussed his plans to take his family to Paris to witness the Paris Olympics in late July and early August.

Tune in at 12 p.m. EST on Friday, July 12 on the Native News Online Facebook, Twitter, or YouTube channel

More Stories Like This

Native News Weekly (August 25, 2024): D.C. Briefs
Native News Weekly (August 4, 2024): D.C. Briefs
The 2024 Water Resources Development Act is a Big Win for Pacific Northwest Tribes
Senate Approves H.R. 9076, Supporting America’s Children and Families Act
Chickasaw Nation: Bringing Holiday Cheer to Families

Can we take a minute to talk about tribal sovereignty?

Sovereignty isn't just a concept – it's the foundation of Native nations' right to govern, protect our lands, and preserve our cultures. Every story we publish strengthens tribal sovereignty.

Unlike mainstream media, we center Indigenous voices and report directly from Native communities. When we cover land rights, water protection, or tribal governance, we're not just sharing news – we're documenting our living history and defending our future.

Our journalism is powered by readers, not shareholders. If you believe in the importance of Native-led media in protecting tribal sovereignty, consider supporting our work today. 

Right now, your support goes twice as far. Thanks to a generous $35,000 matching fund, every dollar you give during December 2024 will be doubled to protect sovereignty and amplify Native voices.

No paywalls. No corporate owners. Just independent, Indigenous journalism.

About The Author
Native News Online Staff
Author: Native News Online StaffEmail: This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.
Native News Online is one of the most-read publications covering Indian Country and the news that matters to American Indians, Alaska Natives and other Indigenous people. Reach out to us at [email protected].