I was active in the RoL online community near the beginning, and an avid supporter.

I've barely been here in the past two years. I've been swamped -- there is so much to do, so much I can help with, in my own town.

When I first heard of the Republic of Lakotah I was an amateur reporter looking for an interesting story. Working with RoL taught me it's not enough to simply observe; I had to take part.

Three years ago I was simply angry. Now I'm an activist. The work I do helps save people's lives and livelihoods.

And I credit the steps that Russell Means and the Republic of Lakotah took -- the willingness to openly defy the system as a step to starting to live free -- as a big part of that.