KOTA Territory News profiles actor and activist Russell Means in his bid for the presidency of the Oglala Sioux Tribe of South Dakota.

Means, an American Indian Movement activist from the 60s, says he sees no difference in what he did back then and what he's trying to do now. Back then, he wanted to get rid of the tribal government.

"I do not find 30 years ago, our effort to rid ourselves of corrupt tribal government and the Bureau of Indian Affairs any different from today,� he tells KOTA. �The difference is, the people are ready now. They're ready to change government. They're ready to change their way of life.�

Means says he will bring more accountability to the tribal government. He is backing Republican John Thune for U.S. Senate, saying that the tribe has become too dependent on federal programs.

Cecilia Fire Thunder, a former nurse, is running against Means. If elected, she will be the tribe's first woman president.

Get the Story:
Pine Ridge presidential candidate profile: Russell Means (KOTA 10/21)
Both Pine Ridge candidates expect to change lives (KOTA 10/22)

Relevant Links:
Oglala Sioux Tribe - http://www.lakotamall.com/oglalasiouxtribe

Related Stories:
Pine Ridge Election: Profile of Cecilia Fire Thunder (10/21)
Russell Means, Fire Thunder to debate in Pine Ridge (10/18)
AIM leader, nurse face off in Pine Ridge election (10/8)
Russell Means top vote-getter in Pine Ridge primary (10/7)
Means says South Dakota GOP needs to do more (8/9)