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
For years, Dawn’s family, residents of Pine Ridge, hauled water from a contaminated well, using it for washing while relying on bottled water for drinking. But in December 2023, Running Strong connected them to clean water through our Mni Wiconi (Water is Life) program, just like the 309 families we've helped since 2015.
However, many families, like Chelsea’s with three young children, are still waiting for clean water before the South Dakota ground freezes this winter. ❄️
We need your help to provide safe water before it's too late. Donate today to give the gift of clean water to those in need. 💧
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The Oyate Ta Kola Ku (OTKK) Community Center is building memories, providing meals, and creating a true sense of community. From delivering fresh, locally grown produce to hosting fun-filled movie nights under the stars, every day at OTKK is about making life brighter for the families of Pine Ridge. 🌱🎥
This past week alone, OTKK distributed hundreds of food boxes packed with veggies, frozen goods, and yes... pies! 🥧🍅 Plus, the mobile market traveled across miles of the reservation, ensuring that families who can't easily access fresh food received peppers, tomatoes, and other fresh produce. 🚛🌾
But it's not just about food. It’s about connection — teaching teens to bead, showing elders new sewing techniques, and giving students a safe space to play, learn, and grow. 🌟
Whether it's a cozy cancer care class or a Friday night drive-in movie, OTKK is a place where everyone belongs. 💛 And it's all possible because of friends like you. Your support is felt in every meal, every smile, and every gathering. ... See MoreSee Less
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It's been a month since the new school year began, and our Smart Sacks program is already making a big impact! Native children at the Takini School on the Cheyenne River Indian Reservation (SD), the Keshena Primary School on the Menominee Indian Reservation (WI), and the Wakpala School on the Standing Rock Sioux Tribe Reservation (SD) are receiving much needed food 🎒🍎 to stay nourished over the weekends.
Each week, we provide students with bags of non-perishable food 🥫, enough to feed a family of four for the entire weekend. This ensures that no student comes to school on Monday hungry after missing out on meals since Friday's lunch.
We’re committed to keeping kids' bellies full 🍽️, but we can’t do it alone. ❤️ Please consider supporting the Smart Sacks program today to help us ensure that no child goes hungry. 🙌
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Too many Native American families in Indian Country face food insecurity, with limited access to quality grocery stores, nutritious foods, and fresh produce 🥕🍎. On the Pine Ridge Indian Reservation alone, 40% of families struggle with food insecurity.
For over a decade, we've provided thousands of food boxes 📦 each year to Native families. Each box feeds a family of four for an entire week, containing essentials like meats 🥩, eggs 🥚, dairy products 🧀, canned fruits and vegetables 🥫, pasta 🍝, and soon, fresh produce from our community garden 🌱.
Today, we’re distributing food boxes at the Oyate Ta Kola Ku Community Center on Pine Ridge. It’s a crucial day that so many rely on 🙌. Last year, we provided 14,000 food boxes—this year, we aim to DOUBLE that 🔁.
We can't do it alone. Please consider donating today to help keep these food boxes full and the tummies of Native youth 🍽️!
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Access to computers and the internet is more than just a convenience; it's a modern necessity—especially for Native American elders. With the growing digital divide on reservations, many elders are missing out on vital resources that could improve their health, well-being, and connection to their community and loved ones ❤️.
From virtual healthcare appointments 🏥 to staying connected with family through video calls 👨👩👧👦, technology has the potential to transform the lives of Native American elders. But for many, reliable access to the internet is a luxury they can’t afford.
With the Oyate Ta Kola Ku Center being such a popular gathering place for Native elders, we’ve begun working on providing the center with 20 computers 💻 to create a dedicated space where elders can access the internet, connect with friends and family online 💬, and take care of essential tasks like setting up appointments and sending emails 📧.
Contribute to closing the digital divide! Help elders access the online world. 👵 🌐
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Awesome 👏
That's great its helping Kyle Community. But What About the rest of the reservation? Especially poor kids or families who can't get there. 😢 such a sad thing to exploit our native people and receive millions while the whole rez still suffers.
The Oyate Ta Kola Ku Community Center provides a safe and welcoming space for the children and youth of Pine Ridge. As a popular gathering place for many young students, we recognized the need for a dedicated learning area.
That’s why we're working to equip the center with 20 computers 💻, giving students a space to complete homework 📚, receive tutoring 🤝, and access the resources they need to support their academic success. 🧠
But we can't do it without you. Help us close the digital divide and ensure Native students on Pine Ridge have the technology they need to succeed! 💻📚
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I have several older PCs which could be made useful again. I cannot afford to donate money but would gladly send these if you think you could use them.