South Dakota native and Olympic champion Billy Mills told Native American students they have important things to say when he visited the South Dakota State University campus last week.
Mills, was in town for the South Dakota Festival of Books and also attended a Wokini Scholarship reception where he met with Native American students
“You are the future,” said Mills, who won the 10,000 meters at the 1964 Olympics in what is considered by many as one of the biggest upsets in Olympic history. “The world needs to hear your voice … America needs to hear your dreams and hear our values.”
Mills spent part of his visit at the Festival of Books, where he talked about his children’s book “Wings of an Eagle: Sharing Gold Medal Dreams.” The book is about his journey to winning the race 60 years ago. He also did a book signing for fans.
During his meet and greet at the American Indian Center on Friday he was gifted a star quilt, answered students’ questions and gave advice. The Wokini scholarship reception was Saturday, and the Olympic champion gave students a speech about education and what he thinks students should be learning.
“We need to understand a cause and an effect,” Millis said.
“We know the effects, of generational trauma. We know a lot of the causes. But other countries are teaching what caused a cause. So I want to share that with you… In many areas, we’re trying to let the winds of change and the passage of time wash footprints away. That we need to understand. That’s why it’s so vital for oral history.”
SDSU President Barry Dunn also in attended the reception and gave students their scholarship certificates. In his speech to scholarship recipients, he echoed what Mills said.
“With this wonderful Wokini name, we have started a new beginning here.” Dunn said. “To Billy’s point, and we will move forward in a very positive and healthy way, recognizing the Indigenous heritage and Indigenous people of South Dakota and all America.
Mills, now 86, grew up on the Pine Ridge Indian Reservation in South Dakota. He attended the University of Kansas and served in the U.S. Marine Corps. He is the founder of Running Strong for American Indian Youth and has become an internationally known speaker and author.
Students enjoyed Mills’ visit and said they are looking forward to more potential visits in the future.
“I was so excited for his visit,” said Dasani LaCroix, a junior art education and American Indian Studies major. “It was such a wonderful experience. And I’m glad I got to meet Mr. Mills, and hopefully, we can have him back in the future.”