Our Approach
We Put Youth
First
Our focus on youth programs fosters change across age groups and entire communities.
American Indian-Led
Our leadership is committed to preserving the traditions, languages and sanctity of American Indian communities.
We Help Where Needed Most
Rather than coming into a community and announcing what we will do, we listen to hear what our partners tell us they need.
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.
Running Strong Changes Lives
Program Spotlight
Organic Food and Gardens
Our organic gardens and food programs tackle malnutrition by providing healthy meals and fresh produce to Native American children and their families. We help to establish community gardens, household gardens, and communal greenhouse programs while also integrating educational and cultural aspects and how to plant traditional gardens.
Program Spotlight
Clean 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.
find us wherever you use social media!
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Is there online classes available? I live in AZ and I'm extremely interested in learning.
i see a foto of rose over on the left. she has been on my mind.
We have extended our Dreamstarter 2023 application deadline! There’s still a chance to receive a 20k environmental justice grant to help serve YOUR community! You don’t want to miss out on this opportunity 👍🏽#environment #protectourlands #dreamstarter ... See MoreSee Less
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I guess iam right no response. I guess if they did it woukd be a big lie. Anything and everything out of patsmouth is a lie and all she cares about is money and inflating her ego
Thank you all soooo much!!
Question for you all..? If Billy and Pat Mills cared about really cared about Native people. Why did not they support DENNIS Banks and Russel means in the 1970 s with the American Indian Movement. (AiM) ? Answer because of his and pats Huge ego. No attention to them. They are only in this for attention and money
Don’t wait! T-O-D-A-Y is your last chance to apply to be a Dreamstarter! You can help your community with up to $20,000 for Environmental Justice! All applications are due at 11:59pm EST, to find out more details go to www.indianyouth.org/Dreamstarter before it’s too late! #enviroment #justice #billymills ... See MoreSee Less
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Calling all Native Youth! Do you have an environmental justice-inspired dream? Apply to be a Dreamstarter and receive $20,000 to launch your dream project for your commmunity! Applications are due in ONE WEEK on January 3, 2023 at 11:59pm ET.
Visit www.IndianYouth.org/Dreamstarter for more information and to apply. ... See MoreSee Less
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I would love to see Amaranth grown and used for flour, baking and dyes. Any interest in that?
Billy, Dreamstarter Carl Petersen, and longtime partner Faith Spotted Eagle at the Lakota Nation Education Conference in Rapid City, SD. ... See MoreSee Less
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Today’s #GivingTuesday and we need your help! Temperatures are beginning to drop on Pine Ridge Indian Reservation and surrounding states. We plan to provide thousands of children with winter gear they’ll be in need of in the days + weeks ahead! #operationsnowsuit #runningstrong #billymills ... See MoreSee Less
Comment on Facebook
How many children, families did you help so far? The reservation is in deep snow...and extreme temperatures. Can you give some statistics? I have asked previously...no answer And no where can I find anything about what you have ACTUALLY DONE ON PINE RIDGE RESERVATION....???? Can you give information regarding actual donations to the families?
How much did your heros Billy and Pat Mills give????
Folks, I have tried donating but my virus protection says YOUR SITE IS NOT SECURE. PLEASE FIX THIS. I've been supporting Running Strong for a long time but I have had my credit card messed up twice in the past few years and I just don't risk non-secure sites anymore.
The second set of Beading Workshops are happening soon! Make sure to register!
Workshops are taking place November 5-6th, at the Durant Art Center, 1605 Cameron St., Alexandria VA 22314
Each day there will be two classes, 9:30-11:30am & 12:00-2:00pm. You can register using the QR code!
Memory Poni-Cappo, an enrolled citizen of the Kwat’San Tribe and direct descendant of the Turtle Mountain Band of Chippewa Tribe, is returning as our instructor and will be teaching everyone how to create a set of beaded earrings! We can’t wait to see everyone’s creations!
This Intertribal Creatives Beading Class is made possible by a Creative Neighborhood Grant through the City of Alexandria’s Office of the Arts and an Arts Project grant from the National Endowment for the Arts. ... See MoreSee Less
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Is Pine Ridge Running Strong giving out thanksgiving donations for meal here on the rezz?
Here’s a snippet of an article our dear friend, Jarrette Werk wrote about one of our 2022 Dreamstarters Kutoven Stevens
“Each year, Running Strong awards $10,000 to 10 Native youths and the nonprofit organization of their choice. Each young person uses the money for a project based on their dreams for their community.
“(Ku) used the money to host the second annual Remembrance Run with his mentor and coach Cabada. This time, joined by about 40 others, they ran his great-grandfather's 50-mile escape route in reverse. Along the way, they brought offerings and prayers to the gravesites at Stewart Indian School.”
“They say the youth have dreams, and the elders have visions,” Billy Mills said. “I saw a young man that had the dreams of the youth, but also with the two of his parents, how they were nurturing him to have the visions of an elder.” ... See MoreSee Less
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Thank you Billy Mills and Running Strong for American Indian Youth for your amazing support!! We at "Team Stevens" have deep appreciation for all the good work you do 💖 It was wonderful to have you all join us at Stewart.
I been using my STIMULUS MONIES ON A "WELCOME TO PINE RIDGE" project....NOT A PENNY FROM THE OGLALA SIOUX TRIBE OR PINE RIDGE VILLAGE.... ALL MY OWN MONEY AND ABOUT 10 DONATIONS....PEACE UNCLE BILLY MILLS...
We are excited for the first sale of this season at Intertribal Creatives, the Indigenous Peoples Day Sale!
10% off your entire purchase will be offered on Indigenous Peoples Day! Visit @intertribalcreatives for the discount code!
Discount is only available online. ... See MoreSee Less
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Is there a link to an online store?