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Russell Means Dies at 72; American Indian Rights Activist, Actor

For many of those born in the 1980s and 1990s, the first time they heard Russell C. Means' voice was probably in Disney's 1995 animated film "Pocahontas." His character portrayed Pochahontas' father, and chief of the Indian tribe. Means voiced the most powerful scene in the film. "From this day forward, if there is to be more killing, it will not start with me."

Russell Means died at age 72 at his home in Porcupine, S.D., his family announced on his website. Means became internationally renowned as one of the leaders of the famed 71-day armed occupation of Wounded Knee in his home state in 1973, he helped thrust the plight of Native Americans into the national spotlight. He's one of the "best-known American Indians since Sitting Bull and Crazy Horse". After launching his acting career in the 1990s, most notably in the film The Last of the Mohicans, he remained outspoken as a former leader of the American Indian Movement. But he excoriated the mainstream media and instead voiced his opinions via YouTube videos and on his personal website.



Anita's Story: Facing Foreclosure

"On Tuesday, June 19, the sheriff posted a 24-hour eviction notice on the front door I have come home to for the last 17 years. I have nowhere to go. I am standing up for myself, my family and community. Although American Indians make up 1% of the population in Minnesota, 11% of homeless adults are American Indian. I can afford to pay for my house."

"All that I am asking is for Woodlands National Bank to sit down and negotiate with me, so I can stay in my community. They are an Indian bank that serves Native people, and right now homelessness is revenging our community. With the support of my neighbors and community, I know Woodlands bank will negotiate witth me, and become part of the solution to the housing crisis we face."

So begins yet another foreclosure story in post-Occupy America. Anita Reyes is working with her neighbors, community, and Occupy Homes MN to stop her foreclosure. Here she tells some stories about the home she has owned for seventeen years, shares thoughts about her personal feelings related to her foreclosure and places a demand on the bank to keep her in her home.

"I'm not moving," she says in the film. "I'm 52 years old - too old to start over."

Please sign Anita's Petition to stay in her home.