1964 Olympic Gold Medalist Billy Mills at Grand Valley State University on Monday

Levi Rickert, editor-in-chief in Native Currents. Discussion »

ALLENDALE, MICHIGAN – Billy Mills, 1964 Olympic Gold Medalist, will speak at Grand Valley State University on Monday, November 12 as part of the university's Native American Heritage Month celebration.

Gold Medalist Billy Mills
- Oglala Sioux

Mills presentation is entitled, "Global Unity," will be presented at the Cook-DeWitt Center on Grand Valley State University's Allendale campus at 4:00 pm.

Mills is a tribal member of the Oglala Sioux Tribe is the only American to win the gold medal in the 10,000 meters. Billy Mills' win in the 10,000 meters is considered one of the greatest upsets in Olympic history.

Mills travels the country inspiring his audiences through his presentations. Mills is the national spokesman and co-founder for Running Strong for American Indian Youth, an organization helping American Indian people meet their immediate survival needs - food, water and shelter - while implementing and supporting programs designed to create opportunities for self-sufficiency and self-esteem.

In March, Mills was named co-chair of a national diabetes prevention plan called "Conquering Diabetes in Indian Country" by the Association of American Indian Physicians.

Other events slated for later in November at Grand Valley State University to celebrate Native American Heritage Month are:

American Indian author, Gyasi Ross, a member of the Blackfeet Nation, will examine existing issues surrounding questions of tribal membership and national citizenship.

posted November 7, 2012 8:10 am edt