ONE woman's crusade to improve the lives of native North American indians has won her a coveted award.

The Gleitsman Foundation is a United States organisation which recognises "people who make a difference".

A certificate from the foundation now takes pride of place in Elizabeth Knight's home in Willow Road, Sidemoor.

Elizabeth's story of how in 1996, after a long battle with officialdom, she arranged for the remains of indian Long Wolf to be exhumed from a London cemetery and reburied in his native homeland, was reported worldwide.

Long Wolf died in 1892 while touring Britain with Buffalo Bill's Wild West Show. The fact that he was buried thousands of miles from his family touched Elizabeth, who has since visited his family's reserve and has been appalled at the conditions which they live in.

Her experiences have only strengthened her resolve to try and do something to improve their lives.

She plans to use cash from a film and a book telling the story of Long Wolf, now both in production, to help at least a few of his Sioux tribe.

Elizabeth is planning a trip to the States next month to visit Long Wolf's ancestors and check on the progress of the film script.

Elizabeth said she is delighted to receive the award but added she plans to hand it over to Long Wolf's descendants.

"It is the indians and the terrible conditions they have to endure which should get the recognition," she said.