The Native American community mourns the loss of Theodore “Ted” Lyle Means, a Lakota leader and activist, who passed away last Wednesday in Rapid City, South Dakota, at the age of 65. His life was deeply intertwined with the American Indian Movement (AIM) and the pursuit of Native American rights and self-determination. A traditional Lakota burial ceremony commenced at 9 am CST today at the Sinte Gleska University Multi-Purpose Building on the Rosebud Indian Reservation, a testament to his deep roots and lasting impact on his community.
A Legacy of Activism and Advocacy
Theodore "Ted" Lyle Means belonged to a family synonymous with Native American activism. He is survived by his brothers, Russell Means and Bill Means, both prominent figures within the American Indian Movement. The three brothers collectively dedicated their lives to advocating for the rights, sovereignty, and cultural preservation of Native American communities. Their leadership and unwavering commitment have left an indelible mark on the landscape of Native American activism.
The significance of Theodore “Ted” Lyle Means‘s passing was underscored by the presence of Dennis Banks, a co-founder of the American Indian Movement, who traveled to South Dakota to attend the ceremonies. Banks’s presence served as a poignant reminder of the shared struggles and triumphs of the AIM movement, and the deep bonds forged in the fight for justice.
Wounded Knee: A Defining Moment
Theodore “Ted” Lyle Means played a pivotal role in the 1973 Wounded Knee Occupation, a 71-day standoff that brought national attention to the plight of Native Americans and their grievances against the U.S. government. During the siege, he served as a crucial logistical coordinator, managing the flow of mail in and out of the occupied hamlet. This vital task ensured that the occupiers remained connected to the outside world, allowing them to communicate their message and receive support.
Living in nearby Porcupine, South Dakota, Theodore “Ted” Lyle Means diligently transported mail to and from Wounded Knee, ensuring its safe passage and delivery. His dedication to this task highlights his unwavering commitment to the cause and his willingness to take personal risks to support the movement. This act of service ensured lines of communication remained open during a critical moment in the struggle for Native American rights.
Supporting Native American Prisoners and Community Health
Beyond Wounded Knee, Theodore “Ted” Lyle Means dedicated himself to supporting Native American prisoners through his work with the Heart of the Earth Survival School Prison Program. He regularly visited prisons to help incarcerated Native Americans maintain their ceremonial practices and cultural identity. This work provided a vital link to their heritage and spiritual well-being, helping them navigate the challenges of incarceration while preserving their cultural identity.
In later years, Theodore “Ted” Lyle Means served as the executive director of the Porcupine Health Clinic until his retirement. In this role, he worked tirelessly to improve the health and well-being of his community, addressing critical healthcare needs and promoting access to quality medical services. His leadership at the clinic demonstrated his commitment to serving his people and improving their quality of life.
A Critical Voice on Economic Disparity
Theodore “Ted” Lyle Means was known for his candid and insightful observations on the challenges facing Native American communities. In an interview with author Peter Matthiessen for his book "In the Spirit of Crazy Horse," Means offered a stark assessment of the obstacles to organizing and empowering Native Americans. He lamented the allure of short-term comforts and the government’s ability to pacify the population with minimal offerings. His quote: “It’s hard to organize the people around anything except money, especially when the press is telling them that everything is okay… They (the government) give a guy a pickup truck and a six-pack, and he’s satisfied. The Indians are satisfied to be miserably comfortable,” underscores his awareness of the systemic issues that perpetuate economic disparity and hinder self-determination within Native American communities.
His words serve as a powerful reminder of the need for sustained efforts to address the root causes of poverty and inequality, and to empower Native Americans to take control of their own destinies. His critique of the status quo remains relevant today, as Native American communities continue to grapple with the challenges of economic development and social justice.
A Traditional Lakota Farewell
Following the ceremony at Sinte Gleska University, a traditional Lakota burial was conducted by Jerome LeBeau and Jim Clairmont. This ceremony was a deeply spiritual and culturally significant event, honoring Theodore “Ted” Lyle Means in accordance with Lakota traditions and beliefs. The burial took place at 2 pm CST at the Feather-Necklace Family Cemetery in Greenwood, marking his final resting place among his ancestors.
Family and Legacy
Theodore “Ted” Lyle Means is survived by his wife, Lynn Means, of Mission, South Dakota, and a large and loving family. He leaves behind 12 children: Theodore Means Jr. of Fort Hall, Idaho; Red Boy Means of Porcupine; Oyate Means of Sisseton; Shelley Means of Rosebud; LeToy Lunderman of Parmelee; Tipi Means and Faith Means, both of Winnebago, Nebraska; Casey Means of Pine Ridge; Shyla LaRoche, C.J. LaRoche, and Sammie Larson, all of Mission; and Season Means of Minneapolis, Minnesota. He is also survived by two sisters, Mabel Ann Phillips and Madonna Phillips, both of Wagner, and 25 grandchildren.
The size of his family is a testament to the importance of kinship and community in Lakota culture. His children and grandchildren will carry on his legacy of activism, advocacy, and service to the Native American community.
Wake services for Theodore “Ted” Lyle Means were held on Saturday night in Porcupine and at Sinte Gleska University Multi-Purpose Building in Mission, providing opportunities for friends, family, and community members to pay their respects and share memories of his life.
Sioux Funeral Home in Pine Ridge was entrusted with the arrangements, ensuring that the funeral services were conducted with dignity and respect for Lakota traditions.
The passing of Theodore “Ted” Lyle Means marks the end of an era for the American Indian Movement and the Lakota community. His contributions to the fight for Native American rights, his dedication to serving his community, and his unwavering commitment to his cultural heritage will be remembered for generations to come. His legacy will continue to inspire and empower Native Americans to fight for justice, equality, and self-determination. His words and actions serve as a reminder of the importance of preserving Native American culture and traditions, and of working towards a future where all Native Americans have the opportunity to thrive.