LaNada Means

LaNada Means is a renowned Native American activist, educator, and leader who has dedicated her life to fighting for the rights and self-determination of Native American tribes. Born in Washoe County, Nevada, Means is a member of the Shoshone and Bannock tribes, and her work has been influenced by the struggles and injustices faced by her communities, including the Fort Hall Indian Reservation and the Duck Valley Indian Reservation. Means' activism has been shaped by her experiences with organizations such as the National Congress of American Indians and the American Indian Movement, as well as events like the Alcatraz Occupation and the Wounded Knee incident. Her work has also been informed by the teachings of notable figures like Vine Deloria Jr. and Wilma Mankiller.

● Early Life and Education

LaNada Means was born in 1947 in Washoe County, Nevada, to a family with a strong tradition of activism and leadership, including her father, Walt Means, who was a prominent figure in the American Indian Movement. Means' early life was marked by experiences with boarding schools, such as the Stewart Indian School, and the challenges faced by Native American students in the United States education system. She attended University of Nevada, Reno, where she became involved in activism and advocacy for Native American rights, inspired by leaders like Cesar Chavez and the United Farm Workers. Means' education was also influenced by her involvement with organizations like the Native American Rights Fund and the Indian Land Tenure Foundation.

● Activism and Career

Means' activism began in the 1960s, when she became involved in the American Indian Movement and participated in events like the Alcatraz Occupation and the Trail of Broken Treaties. She worked closely with leaders like Dennis Banks and Russell Means, and was influenced by the Black Panther Party and the Student Nonviolent Coordinating Committee. Means' career has spanned multiple fields, including education, advocacy, and community development, with a focus on issues like land rights, self-determination, and cultural preservation. She has worked with organizations like the National Museum of the American Indian and the Indian Arts and Crafts Association, and has been recognized for her contributions to the field of Native American studies.

● Alcatraz Occupation

In 1969, Means participated in the Alcatraz Occupation, a 19-month takeover of Alcatraz Island by a group of Native American activists, including Richard Oakes and Adam Fortunate Eagle. The occupation was a pivotal moment in the American Indian Movement, and drew attention to issues like land rights and self-determination. Means' involvement in the occupation was influenced by her experiences with the Bureau of Indian Affairs and the Indian Reorganization Act, as well as her connections to other activist movements, like the Civil Rights Movement and the Anti-War Movement. The occupation also highlighted the importance of Native American cultural preservation and the need for tribal sovereignty.

● Tribal and Community Involvement

Means has been involved in various tribal and community organizations, including the Shoshone-Bannock Tribes and the National Congress of American Indians. She has worked on issues like land rights, water rights, and cultural preservation, and has been recognized for her contributions to the field of Native American law. Means has also been involved in community development initiatives, such as the Indian Land Tenure Foundation and the Native American Rights Fund, and has worked with leaders like Wilma Mankiller and Vine Deloria Jr.. Her work has been influenced by events like the Wounded Knee incident and the Gustafsen Lake Standoff, as well as her connections to other activist movements, like the Environmental Movement and the Labor Movement.

● Later Life and Legacy

Today, Means continues to be involved in activism and advocacy, working on issues like climate change, environmental justice, and cultural preservation. She has been recognized for her contributions to the field of Native American studies and has received awards from organizations like the Native American Rights Fund and the Indian Land Tenure Foundation. Means' legacy is marked by her tireless advocacy for Native American rights and her commitment to social justice, inspiring a new generation of activists and leaders, including figures like Winona LaDuke and Deborah Parker. Her work has also been influenced by her connections to other notable figures, like Noam Chomsky and the Zapatista Army of National Liberation. Category:Native American activists