Billy Mills
Billy Mills, Oglala Lakota (Sioux) is Running Strong’s National Spokesperson. An Olympic gold medalist at the 1964 Olympics, Billy has dedicated his life to serving Native American communities.
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Our focus on youth programs fosters change across age groups and entire communities.
Our leadership is committed to preserving the traditions, languages and sanctity of American Indian communities.
Rather than coming into a community and announcing what we will do, we listen to what our partners tell us they need.
Billy Mills, Oglala Lakota (Sioux) is Running Strong’s National Spokesperson. An Olympic gold medalist at the 1964 Olympics, Billy has dedicated his life to serving Native American communities.
When Running Strong for American Indian Youth® was formed in 1986, getting clean, safe drinking water to the residents of Pine Ridge was one of our top priorities. Previously, Running Strong satisfied this need by drilling water wells. However, the need for wells declined as the Oglala Sioux Rural Water Supply System was created and water lines were laid providing access to water. This past year through Diné NaabehóTó (the Navajo People’s Water Challenge), Running Strong connected 13 households to water in these communities, providing 92 individuals with access to clean, running water.
When Running Strong for American Indian Youth® was formed in 1986, getting clean, safe drinking water to the residents of Pine Ridge was one of our top priorities. Previously, Running Strong satisfied this need by drilling water wells. However, the need for wells declined as the Oglala Sioux Rural Water Supply System was created and water lines were laid providing access to water.
8301 Richmond Highway
Ste. 200
Alexandria, VA 22309
Toll Free: 1-888-491-9859
(703) 317-9881 | Fax: (703) 659-6231
info@indianyouth.org
Look at this incredible artwork created by the talented students at Oyate Ta Kola Ku Community Center! 🎨💫 (Oyate Teca Project)
Community and culture shine here every day! ... See MoreSee Less
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🎅 This Christmas, Santa is making a special trip to the Pine Ridge Indian Reservation! With a sleigh full of toys and holiday cheer, we’re ready to bring smiles to children and families in need.
🌟 You can be Santa’s helper! Help ensure every child at Pine Ridge feels the magic of Christmas with gifts, joy, and warm memories.
🎁 Donate now to make this holiday unforgettable for the kids of Pine Ridge!
runningstrong.harnessgiving.org/campaigns/13187 ... See MoreSee Less
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Santa! ☺
This week, the Oyate Ta Kola Ku Community Center opened its doors to over 1,300 people on Pine Ridge Reservation, offering more than just a refuge from the bitter Dakota cold. It became a place for families to connect, children to learn, elders to enjoy community, and everyone to celebrate the season together.
🎄 What Happened This Week:
👩🏫 Kids attended daily classes that nurtured their minds and gave them a safe, fun space to grow.
🔥 Families received crucial heat match funds to stay warm during the freezing winter nights.
🎲 Elders enjoyed Christmas bingo, filling the gym with laughter and connection.
🚐 The community gathered for the annual Parade of Lights, where local groups lit up the streets with festive floats, and even the Medicine Root Mobile Farmers Market transformed into a cheery holiday bus.
🎉 Hundreds celebrated at a Christmas Party with delicious food, exciting games, and creative gingerbread house contests, turning the gym into a lively winter wonderland.
Your generosity brings these moments to life. Thank you for helping Oyate Ta Kola Ku shine as a source of warmth and connection for families on Pine Ridge Reservation. Together, we’re not just spreading holiday cheer—we’re creating lasting bonds and a brighter future for our community. ... See MoreSee Less
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When does you heat match end?
There's just one month left to apply for the 2025 Dreamstarter Grant! 📅
Native youth, ages 15-30, can apply in partnership with the “Mentor Organization” of their choice, to receive $20,000 to pursue their dream of uplifting their communities, and creating sustainable positive change for generations to come. 💙
For the 10th year of this program, we want to honor the Seventh Generation and all the work they are doing to create positive change in their communities across all program areas. This year’s projects will not be confined to one focus area, all ideas are welcome. Projects may focus on Environmental Stewardship, Health and Wellness, Entrepreneurship, Social Action, Education, Language Revitalization, Arts and Culture, and so much more.
How will you create positive, sustainable change in your community?
We invite you to apply for a Dreamstarter grant today! 💌 ... See MoreSee Less
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This Christmas, Santa will visit Native children on Pine Ridge Indian Reservation – spreading love, joy, and TOYS!
With your help, we can ensure every stop is filled with holiday magic. Will you help Santa deliver smiles and gifts to Native children in need?
💝 Donate today and bring the magic of Christmas to life!
runningstrong.harnessgiving.org/campaigns/13187 ... See MoreSee Less
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is the oyate teca project in kyle, south dakota still functioning ?
This is a beautiful Santa in his native attire
Shopping at Target for your holiday supplies and gifts this season? Running Strong has been chosen as a featured nonprofit for the Target Circle Giving Program! This is a huge opportunity to make an even bigger impact in Native communities, and we need YOUR help to do it. Here’s how you can support us with just a few clicks.
🔴 What is Target Circle? Target Circle is a loyalty program where members can earn votes as they shop, which can be used to direct donations to local nonprofits like Running Strong. Now is your chance to vote for us and help us secure funding for vital programs in Native communities. Find out more about Target Circle here: www.target.com/circle.
How You Can Help
Each time you shop at Target, you earn votes. By casting your votes for Running Strong, you support essential programs like clean water access, food security, and housing assistance in Native communities.
📲 How to Cast Your Vote:
Step 1: Choose ‘My Target’ in the Target app or ‘Account’ on Target.com
Step 2: Tap ‘Cast votes’
Step 3: Find us & vote
🎯 Why Your Vote Matters More votes = more resources to continue our mission of empowering Native communities. Every vote counts, so let’s make a difference together!
Thank you for your support! 🙏 ... See MoreSee Less
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