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
Dreamstarter Autumn Harry shares how the support from Running Strong empowers her to continue her lifelong mission as a water protector. ❤️ ... See MoreSee Less
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Pilamayaye. Mni wichoni.
Our Medicine Root Gardening Program teaches families on the Pine Ridge Indian Reservation how to grow their own food, nourish their households, and even earn income by selling produce at local farmers markets.
After months of learning in the classroom, students are finally ready to get their hands in the soil. Soon, they’ll step into the Medicine Root community garden to apply what they’ve learned—plotting garden beds, tending crops, and cultivating a path to self-reliance.
Right now, our top priority is making sure every student has the essential gardening supplies they need—like seeds, fertilizer, rakes, hoes, and pruners—to take the next step.
With your help we can ensure these supplies are provided sufficiently. Let’s give these new gardeners everything they need to cultivate food for generations to come!
harnessgiving.pulse.ly/0kgsvewdkl ... See MoreSee Less
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Please consider growing edamame soybeans for so many reasons.
Great project!
Thank you Billy Mills & RSFAIY for all you’re doing👍🏾👏🏾👏🏾👏🏾
Dreamstarter Autumn Harry shares her passion for fly fishing—and why it matters so deeply in Native communities. 🎣🌊 ... See MoreSee Less
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Thank you for sharing! Once you get the one more cast disease, there is no way out. I am glad you are doing something very positive with it.
GOD BLESS YOU & YOUR DAD FOR KEEPING THE BEAUTY IN THIS WORLD THE WAY GOD MADE IT!
Where are you located???? This youth organization?
Just yesterday, we delivered 500 food boxes to Crow Nation in Montana. Now, we’re preparing to send:
📦🍽️ 300 boxes to Walker River Paiute Reservation in Nevada
📦🍽️ 500 to Brushy Cherokee Action Association in Oklahoma
📦🍽️ Hundreds more right back to Pine Ridge
Across the country, many Native families on reservations face real, urgent hunger. That’s why we’re doubling our food box distribution—and we need your help to do it.
Consider donating a Food Box today: 👇🧡
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You’re great
Thank you all. Bless you all.
He's the bestest.
Our 2024 Dreamstarter Creatives are harnessing the power of art to honor and carry forward both traditional and contemporary Native stories. For many tribal communities, art is more than expression—it’s a vital connection to culture, identity, and one another. Every tribe holds unique symbols, designs, and visual languages that speak to its rich history and heritage.
Since June, these talented artists have been creating new works that celebrate this legacy and breathe new life into the stories that shape Native communities.
Meet these visionary creatives and explore their work here:
👉 indianyouth.org/2024-dreamstarter-creative-connecting-culture-and-community/ ... See MoreSee Less
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Such talent!
Aho
Today on World Water Day 💧 we’re proud to share a powerful new documentary 🎥: the story of Autumn Harry.
Autumn is a Running Strong Dreamstarter 🌟—and a fearless voice in the fight to protect her community’s water from the dangers of lithium mining ⚠️.
With strength and clarity, she’s standing up for the future. And at Running Strong, we’re standing with her 🤝.
Through our Mni Wiconi Water Program 🚰, we bring clean, safe water to Native families—because water isn’t a privilege. It’s a right. A right Autumn is determined to defend 💪.
Watch Autumn’s story now ▶️. Let her courage move you—and join us in protecting water for generations to come 🌎.
Water is life 💦. Stand with us to protect it.
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