American Indian Activist Means Battling Cancer

by Associated Press
August 18, 2011 9:52 AM


An American Indian activist who says he has survived nine assassination attempts is now battling throat cancer.
   
Former American Indian Movement leader Russell Means says doctors have told him the cancer is too advanced for surgery. He says he would not have chosen surgery anyway because it would have meant the removal of his tongue and his ability to speak.
   
Means also is forgoing mainstream medical treatments such as radiation and chemotherapy, turning instead to alternative treatments and traditional American Indian remedies. He says he is at peace with the possibility that he might die because Lakota people believe death is a change of worlds.
   
Means also is an actor, known for his role in "The Last of the Mohicans."