Means has argued against the use of the term "Native American" and instead use "American Indian." He argues this in that Indian comes from an Italian expression meaning "In God."
Means first venture into politics came in 1974 when he ran for the Presidency of his native Oglala Sioux tribe against the incumbent Dick Wilson. Means lost the election.
Due to his heavy involvement in the American Indian Movement (AIM), Means is often erroneously credited as being a founding member of AIM. Means was actually an early leader of the organization, not a founding member.