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
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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With the support of a Dreamstarter grant, Joe Duckpoo, principal of Round Valley Elementary/Middle School in Covelo, California, launched the COLTSS (Community Opportunities to Learn Together for Student Success) initiative. The grant has funded cultural presentations by community elders, a Family Game Night that brought together over 200 parents and students, and the purchase of a portable public announcement system 📢. Through these efforts, Joe is strengthening students’ sense of belonging while fostering greater parental and community engagement in education. ... See MoreSee Less
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Congratulations I graduated from Round Valley
Congratulations on a successful program. So proud of you ❤️
Congrats 👏
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With the support of a Dreamstarter grant, educator Edith Suber revitalized a school garden 🌱, turning classroom lessons into immersive, hands-on learning experiences. Now, her students explore subjects like math, history, and cultural teachings in a dynamic, interactive environment. Beyond academics, the garden cultivates essential life skills—teaching patience, teamwork, and attention to detail—while deepening their connection to nature and environmental stewardship 🌍. ... See MoreSee Less
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Does the school extend through summer utilizing and caring for the garden? Summer & fall harvest must be great!
How awesome👍🏾👏🏾👏🏾
Let’s turn Pine Ridge green with Family Gardens! 🌱 The Slim Buttes Agricultural Development (SBAG) program has been making food sustainability a reality on the Pine Ridge Indian Reservation, with families growing their own food, reclaiming indigenous food traditions, and promoting health and self-sufficiency through gardening.
In 2024 alone, with your support, SBAG made a powerful impact:
4,480 seedlings of 15 varieties distributed
41 gardens tilled
20 new planter boxes and raised beds built and installed
48 planter boxes and raised beds refurbished and replenished
16 circular garden mounds created
750 lbs. of fresh produce distributed to elders and community food programs
120 tree saplings given to families
With your support SBAG plans to expand its reach in 2025, covering operational costs, greenhouse and garden supplies, and a 12-week radio program to educate and inspire even more families to cultivate their own food.
Contribute today and join us in turning Pine Ridge green! 🌱💚
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Tiffany Cacy aims to enhance physical and mental wellness for all students, including those with diverse abilities. Using her Dreamstarter grant, she has introduced sensory play toys and balance-based equipment, creating an inclusive play environment where students interact and develop motor and social skills.
The response has been overwhelmingly positive, with students eagerly engaging in these new activities and showing significant growth in confidence and coordination. ... See MoreSee Less
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Donald King is dedicated to incorporating Native culture into everyday learning. With his dreanstarter grant, he has introduced books by Native authors 📚 and supplied materials for beading and cultural crafts in his classroom.
He has also organized Family Night events, guest speaker engagements, and field trips to tribal museums. 🏛️ This spring, he plans to expand these experiences by visiting additional museums and colleges offering Tribal Studies pr ... See MoreSee Less
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Yay! Proud to have Donald with us at Bowler School District!
He does an amazing job with our kids and happy to have him in our school!