A memorial service honoring the life of Russell Means will be held on Sunday, December 9, 2012
A memorial service honoring the life of Russell Means will be held on behalf of family, friends and American Indian Movement of the San Francisco, and the Oakland Greater Bay Area,Sunday, December 9, 2012.
AIM-WEST, is proud to host the memorial service and invites you join with us to honor and celebrate the life of a Warrior, Russell Means, at Inter-Tribal Friendship House (IFH), 523 International Boulevard, in Oakland, starting at 2 pm until 5 pm.
“He will be replaced by thousands,” said Bill Means, Russell Means’ only surviving brother. “One person is not going to replace him, but through his work, through his family, he will be replaced 1,000 times over.” Russell Means died Monday, October 22, after a battle with throat cancer at the age of 72. He encouraged Indigenous peoples to take pride in their heritage and challenging them to live it.
There will be guest speakers, including Elder Fred Short, as AIM spiritual advisor, will begin the afternoon program with a prayer and words for today’s warrior to heed, and keep the spirit and struggle for self-determination alive! William “Jimbo” Simmons, will guide the memorial service, along with songs from Ohlone Nation by Luta Candelaria, and California Clappers, a drum, and honor songs by All Nation Singers, a solo guitar tribute by Dan G. Rodriguez, and a solemn flute performance by el companero Ernesto Olmos. A special collection of photos by Sage Paisner, along with a brief documentary special for the occasion by Robert Kelly, will punctuate and encapsulate the warrior’s achievements in life.
The public is invited. All AIM friends and supporters are welcomed! The memorial service begins promptly at 2 pm. There will be snacks, coffee and refreshments. Your favorite desserts to share are appreciated. During the last hour at approximately 4:15 pm time has been provided for friends and others who wish to share stories and bits of their friendship with Russ, or how Russell influenced their lives, and or what inspires them enough to carry his spirit because Russell is gone now, and we can’t depend on him anymore! Aho! All My Relations! The Black Hills are Not for Sale! Honor the Treaties!
We wish to thank IFH for the site and all the volunteers who helped make this happen! AIM High! For more information call 415-577-1492 or see website www.aimwest.info