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.
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.
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
Thanks to you! Our food boxes are reaching more families than ever before! This year, we're distributing an astounding 28,000 food boxes—twice as many as last year! 📦🌽
We're thrilled to announce our expanded partnerships:
The Crow Nation in Montana
The Walker River Paiute Tribe in Nevada
These partnerships allow us to distribute food boxes to even more Native American reservations.
Your generosity makes a real difference:
🥫 Each food box feeds a family of four for an entire week
👨👩👧👦 That's 28,000 families with food security, thanks to you!
Help us continue this meaningful work. Together, we can ensure no family in Indian Country goes hungry. Every contribution, no matter the size, brings nourishment and hope to Native communities. 💖
harnessgiving.pulse.ly/ieev8i7mkv ... See MoreSee Less
0 CommentsComment on Facebook
At Oyate Ta Kola Ku Community Center, our sports activities are building lifelong champions! 🏆
Our sports activities:
Boost health and fitness 💪
Teach teamwork and leadership 🤝
Instill discipline and confidence 🌟
Create lasting friendships 😊
Your contributions ensure these activities and resources are available to our Youth. Together, we're not just breaking a sweat—we're breaking barriers for Native youth.
🔗 runningstrong.harnessgiving.org/campaigns/9934 ... See MoreSee Less
3 CommentsComment on Facebook
You are the best all around
Regina Motley this is the organization
Work together!! Keep active and stay fit!!!
On Pine Ridge Reservation, over half our youth face poverty. But we're changing that story. 📈
At Oyate Ta Kola Ku Community Center, we're not just offering programs—we're cultivating futures:
🏀 Sports that build teamwork
🍳 Cooking classes that nourish bodies and traditions
🌱 Gardening lessons that grow self-sufficiency
🎨 Art classes that unleash creativity
Your donation doesn't just fund activities. It fuels dreams, preserves culture, and builds resilience.
Together, we can transform challenges into opportunities for every Native youth. 💪🌟
Donate now. Be part of the change.
runningstrong.harnessgiving.org/campaigns/9934 ... See MoreSee Less
0 CommentsComment on Facebook
✨ If you can dream it you can achieve it! 🏆
On Running Strong's 38th anniversary, we're celebrating this spirit by offering free shipping on Billy Mills' inspiring book, "Wings of an Eagle: The Gold Medal Dreams of Billy Mills". 🦅🏅
This heartwarming children's autobiography chronicles the remarkable journey of Billy Mills, an Oglala Lakota athlete who defied all odds. From his humble beginnings as an orphan on the Pine Ridge Indian Reservation to his triumphant gold medal victory in the 10,000-meter race at the 1964 Tokyo Olympics, Billy's story is a must read for Native youth. Billy's story shows Native youth that with determination, courage, and belief in oneself, any obstacle can be overcome.
Proceeds from each sale goes towards our vital programs to provide assistance to Native families facing challenges. By choosing this book, you're not just reading about change; you're actively creating it. 🌟
store.indianyouth.org/products/wings-of-an-eagle-the-gold-medal-dreams-of-billy-mills ... See MoreSee Less
0 CommentsComment on Facebook
On our 38th anniversary, we're not just celebrating our organization – we're celebrating YOU, our amazing supporters! Your generosity has been the heartbeat of our mission to support Native youth and Native communities.
For over a decade, your support has been the lifeline in feeding our community.
Together, we've made a real difference:
📦 134,952 Food Boxes have reached dinner tables across 8 Native communities
🎒 241,420 Smart Sacks have ensured children don't go hungry when school's out
These aren't just numbers. They're stories of hope – families gathering around full tables, children focusing in class, and communities growing stronger together. ❤️
Without you, none of this would be possible. YOU are the true heroes in this journey. Your commitment continues to help in our mission to combat hunger in Native communities.
From the bottom of our hearts, thank you for 38 years of compassion, dedication, and hope. Here's to many more years of running strong together! ❤️
Learn more about how we're helping Native communities gain Food Sovereignty - indianyouth.org/promoting-lasting-change-for-native-american-youth-on-our-38th-anniversary/ ... See MoreSee Less
0 CommentsComment on Facebook
Every Native youth carries a spark of greatness. At OTKK, we fan those flames into roaring success stories. Consider donating today to help secure bright futures for our children.
Your donation isn't just money—it's:
A young artist's first paintbrush 🎨
A future chef's cooking lesson 👨🍳
A budding engineer's robotics kit 🤖
A sacred tradition passed down 🦅
runningstrong.harnessgiving.org/campaigns/9934 ... See MoreSee Less
1 CommentComment on Facebook
Is that Jax, my great grandson