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.
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
🎒✨ Every Friday, 480 students in Native schools go home with a SmartSack filled with cereal, soups, vegetables, canned meats, and more—ensuring their families have enough to eat over the weekend through our SmartSacks program. 💛
This wouldn’t be possible without your generous support! Thank you for all that you do Running Strong family! ... See MoreSee Less
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This winter, we’ve already delivered 6,000 brand-new heavy coats and winter kits to Native children and families across Indian Country! 🧥❄️ From the freezing plains of Pine Ridge to the snowy streets of Minnesota, kids are kept warm thanks to your loving support! 🧡
Thank you for helping us make this possible! (Swipe left to read heartwarming notes from the children we serve! 📝💖)
Want to help us reach even more families in need? Consider giving what you can. Together, we can bring warmth to every corner of Indian Country. 🧡
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I watched a documentary about Reservations and the young ppl wanting a Walmart. A better desire is urban land management. There’s all kinds of YouTube videos and books. I tell you this bc the new administration will not help you however, you can help yourselves and not be beholden to the filthy rich. Good luck. I hope you prosper.
Can I ship a coat to you from Chicago?
God bless you for your kind heart
Elementary students in Utah’s Nebo School District are staying warm this winter with coats from Running Strong! This little one, smiling at the aquarium, stayed snug while learning about creatures like polar bears. 🐻❄️
🌡️ Fun Fact: Polar bears can withstand temperatures as low as -40°F because of their thick fur and insulating fat. Humans, however, rely on coats to stay warm in the cold! 🧥
Your Generosity goes a long way! Thanks to your support we're able to support our Youth! ❤️
runningstrong.harnessgiving.org/donate/?checkout=11166&campaign_id=16236&selected-method=one-time... ... See MoreSee Less
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WOW
For many Native children, school is their only reliable source of nutrition, leaving weekends uncertain. That’s why every Friday during the school year; we provide Smart Sacks—food bags filled with enough food to last through the weekend.
One school staff member shared:
🗨️ "We make a food bag for every student and now put the bags on the bus, so every child gets one as they step off. Every student has been taking their food bags home."
Every week, 480 Smart Sacks are sent home, ensuring children have the nourishment they need. 🍎🧠
This program is made possible by supporters like you. Help us continue fueling happy bellies 😊 and bright minds by contributing today!
👉 runningstrong.harnessgiving.org/donate/?checkout=8007&selected-method=monthly&amount=24&campaign_... ... See MoreSee Less
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Freezing cold weather is gripping the Pine Ridge Indian Reservation, where poorly insulated homes struggle to hold back the relentless chill. Many Families are struggling to stay warm as temperatures barely climb into double digits. 🌨️
🔥 With our 4X Heat Match, every $100 becomes $500 to fill propane tanks or cover electric bills—keeping homes warm and families secure during these freezing days. With temperatures set to drop further tomorrow, your gift today can be life-changing. ❤️🔥
👇 Keep a family warm tonight.
runningstrong.harnessgiving.org/donate/?campaign_id=12829&selected-method=monthly&amount=50 ... See MoreSee Less
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Are they doing this again Mas'ke?
Billy, did you meet Abraham Neumann out at White Clay- Pine Ridge? He runs the warm shelters, detox and shelters down there. He's having a heat issue with the inflatable quanson huts heaters. I mention it because your both of you run legitimate 501 (C) and let's face it there's a ton that are not. You two if you haven't met you should as you have much in common and could be good to be aware of each other's efforts and help each other. He calls it Igalutha or something like that. Billy sorry but you know my Lakota is not good my friend.
So have you started this up again for all districts and utility companies?
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Over the past few weeks, the Oyate Ta Kola Ku (OTKK) Community Center has been filled with love and warmth, thanks to friends like you!
🎁 Hundreds of children picked toys and warm coats from “Santa’s Workshop,” spreading holiday joy.
🥖 Over 1,000 families received food boxes, including holiday hams and turkeys.
🔥 Nearly 2,000 families got heat match funding to stay warm this winter.
🐎 Riders on the Big Foot Memorial Ride found meals, shelter, and care for their horses.
From all of us at Running Strong, thank you for making this possible. 💛 ... See MoreSee Less
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