Native Arts, Entertainment & Athletes
Dine (Navajo) · musicians · Sihasin (meaning "hope" in Navajo) is a Diné (Navajo) punk rock duo from Flagstaff, Arizona, consisting of siblings Clayson and Jeneda Benally. Their music is a fierce blend of punk, metal, and traditional Navajo influences, with lyrics addressing Indigenous rights, environmental justice, and resistance.
The Benally siblings grew up performing traditional Navajo music and dance with their family group before forming Sihasin. Their sound is raw and powerful — electric guitar and bass combined with traditional Navajo drumming and chanting create a unique sonic experience that has earned them a devoted following.
Sihasin has toured extensively across the United States and internationally, performing at festivals, protest events, and venues. They were prominent musical voices at the Standing Rock pipeline protests and continue to use their music as a tool for Indigenous activism and environmental advocacy. Their album "Fight Like a Woman" was dedicated to the MMIW movement.
Sicangu Lakota · musicians · Frank Waln is a Sicangu Lakota hip-hop artist, producer, and activist from the Rosebud Reservation in South Dakota. His music tackles pressing issues facing Native communities including treaty rights, environmental justice, missing and murdered Indigenous women, and the legacy of boarding schools.
Waln earned a scholarship to attend Columbia College Chicago, where he studied audio arts and acoustics. His debut EP "AbOriginal" put him on the map, and he has since released multiple projects that blend Lakota language and traditions with contemporary beats and production.
He has been featured on MTV, BET, and NPR, and was named one of MTV's Artists to Watch. His song "Oil 4 Blood" became an anthem for Indigenous environmental movements, and he has performed at major festivals and venues across the country. Waln uses his platform to amplify Indigenous voices and challenge stereotypes about Native Americans in popular culture.
Yurok · artists · Saif Azzuz is a contemporary Native American artist whose work bridges traditional Indigenous art forms with modern contemporary art. His paintings and mixed-media works explore themes of identity, displacement, and cultural continuity.
Azzuz's art has been exhibited in galleries across the United States and has gained recognition for its bold use of color and powerful commentary on the Indigenous experience. His work draws on traditional patterns and symbols while incorporating modern techniques and materials.
He has participated in group exhibitions at prominent galleries and museums, and his pieces have been collected by private collectors and institutions. Azzuz is also dedicated to mentoring young Native artists and has led workshops at tribal community centers and schools.
Shoshone · musicians · Taboo (Jaime Luis Gomez) is a Shoshone rapper, singer, and member of the Grammy Award-winning group Black Eyed Peas. Born in East Los Angeles, Taboo has been a driving force behind some of the biggest hits in pop music history, including "Where Is the Love?," "Boom Boom Pow," and "I Gotta Feeling."
Taboo is deeply proud of his Indigenous heritage and has used his platform to advocate for Native American rights and visibility. He has spoken openly about the importance of representation and has supported numerous Indigenous causes. After surviving testicular cancer, he became an advocate for health awareness in underserved communities, including Native American reservations.
His solo work and collaborations frequently incorporate references to his Indigenous roots, and he has been honored by multiple Native American organizations for his contributions to Indigenous visibility in mainstream entertainment.
Cherokee · actors · Wes Studi is a Cherokee actor who is one of the most celebrated Native American actors in Hollywood history. In 2019, he became the first Native American to receive an Honorary Academy Award.
Studi is known for powerful performances in "Dances with Wolves," "The Last of the Mohicans" as Magua, "Geronimo: An American Legend," "Heat," and "Avatar." His ability to bring depth and dignity to Indigenous characters has set the standard for Native American representation in film.
A Vietnam War veteran and fluent Cherokee speaker, Studi has been a vocal advocate for accurate Indigenous representation in Hollywood. He has worked to preserve the Cherokee language and has been honored by numerous tribal organizations.
Cherokee · musicians · Litefoot (Gary Paul Davis) is a Cherokee rapper, actor, and entrepreneur who is widely regarded as one of the pioneers of Native American hip-hop. Starting in the early 1990s, Litefoot was among the first Native American artists to release commercially distributed rap albums.
His music addresses issues facing Native communities including poverty, addiction, cultural preservation, and Indigenous pride. Albums like "Good Day to Die" and "The Life & Times" established him as a powerful voice in Indian Country.
Beyond music, Litefoot is a successful entrepreneur and motivational speaker. He created the "Reach the Rez" tour, visiting Native communities to inspire young people. He also appeared in "Indian in the Cupboard" and other films.
Yaqui / Shoshone / Mexican · musicians · Redbone is a pioneering rock band formed by brothers Pat and Lolly Vegas, of Yaqui, Shoshone, and Mexican heritage. Best known for "Come and Get Your Love," which experienced a massive resurgence after being featured in Marvel's "Guardians of the Galaxy."
Redbone was the first Native American rock group to have a #1 single on Billboard. Their music blended rock, funk, R&B, and Latin influences with Indigenous elements. Other notable songs include "The Witch Queen of New Orleans" and "We Were All Wounded at Wounded Knee."
The band performed in traditional Native American regalia, making a bold statement about Indigenous pride in 1970s rock. Their influence on Native American music and representation in popular culture cannot be overstated.
Apsáalooke (Crow) · artists · Wendy Red Star is an Apsáalooke (Crow) multimedia artist working in photography, sculpture, textile, and video. Her "Four Seasons" series and work with historical Crow photographs challenge assumptions about Native American identity.
Her work has been exhibited at the Metropolitan Museum of Art and she is a Creative Capital Award winner.
Cree / Métis · actors · Tantoo Cardinal is a Cree and Métis actress who has been a trailblazer for Indigenous women in film for over 40 years. She appeared in over 100 productions including "Legends of the Fall," "Smoke Signals," "Wind River," and "Killers of the Flower Moon."
She received a Canadian Screen Award for Best Actress and was appointed to the Order of Canada. Her commitment to authentic Indigenous storytelling has paved the way for a new generation of Native actors.
Choctaw · athletes · Ahman Green is a Choctaw former NFL running back who is one of the greatest players in Green Bay Packers history. During his career (1998-2009), Green rushed for over 9,200 yards and 60 touchdowns, earning four Pro Bowl selections and becoming the Packers' all-time leading rusher.
Green was a dominant force alongside quarterback Brett Favre. Proud of his Choctaw heritage, he has been involved in Native American community events and spoken about Indigenous athlete representation in professional sports.
Tlingit / Koyukon-Athabascan · actors · Martin Sensmeier is a Tlingit and Koyukon-Athabascan actor from Yakutat, Alaska. He gained recognition for his role as Red Harvest in "The Magnificent Seven" alongside Denzel Washington and appeared in "Westworld," "Yellowstone," and "The Ice Road."
Sensmeier promotes physical fitness and mental health in Native communities and advocates for Alaska Native representation in mainstream media.
Saulteaux (Ojibwe) · actors · Adam Beach is a Saulteaux (Ojibwe) actor from Dog Creek First Nation in Manitoba, Canada. He starred as Ira Hayes in Clint Eastwood's "Flags of Our Fathers" and appeared in "Smoke Signals," "Windtalkers," "Suicide Squad," and "Law & Order: SVU."
Orphaned at age eight, Beach was raised by relatives on the Dog Creek reserve. Despite early hardships, he pursued acting and became a role model for Indigenous youth, advocating for more authentic Native American representation in Hollywood.
Blackfeet / Nez Perce · actors · Lily Gladstone is a Blackfeet and Nez Perce actress who made history as the first Native American nominated for the Academy Award for Best Actress, for "Killers of the Flower Moon" (2023). She won the Golden Globe for Best Actress.
Gladstone grew up on the Blackfeet Reservation in Montana and appeared in Kelly Reichardt's "Certain Women" and "First Cow." Her Oscar nomination was a landmark moment for Indigenous representation in Hollywood.
Inupiat / Cree / Métis · actors · Irene Bedard is an Inupiat, Cree, and Métis actress best known as the voice and physical model for Disney's "Pocahontas" (1995). She has over 90 credits including "Smoke Signals," "The New World," and "Westworld."
Bedard has been a strong advocate for Indigenous representation in animation and live-action entertainment, speaking about the responsibility of voicing Pocahontas and telling Indigenous stories with cultural accuracy.
Mohawk (Kahnawà:ke) · actors · Devery Jacobs is a Mohawk actress, writer, and director from Kahnawà:ke Mohawk Territory. She gained recognition for her role as Elora Danan Postoak in "Reservation Dogs," which she also wrote and directed episodes of.
Jacobs first gained attention in "Rhymes for Young Ghouls" and has appeared in "American Gods," "The Order," and "Blood Quantum." As a filmmaker, she explores Indigenous identity and queer Indigenous experiences, becoming one of the leading voices in a new generation of Indigenous creators.
Oji-Cree · actors · D'Pharaoh Woon-A-Tai is an Oji-Cree actor who stars as Bear Smallhill in the FX series "Reservation Dogs." His performance has earned him critical acclaim and made him one of the most exciting young Indigenous actors in the industry.
Woon-A-Tai won Best Actor at the Tribeca Film Festival for "Beans" and represents a new era of Native American representation where Indigenous characters are portrayed as complex, funny, and fully human.
Standing Rock Sioux · athletes · Kyrie Irving is an NBA superstar and enrolled member of the Standing Rock Sioux Tribe. The #1 overall pick in the 2011 NBA Draft, Irving won an NBA Championship with Cleveland in 2016, hitting one of the most iconic shots in Finals history.
Irving participated in a naming ceremony at Standing Rock, receiving his Lakota name "Hela." He has donated to the Standing Rock community and had his Nike shoe redesigned with Native American-inspired patterns, bringing Indigenous visibility to mainstream sports.
Hunkpapa Lakota · actors · Zahn McClarnon is a Hunkpapa Lakota actor who has emerged as one of the most compelling Indigenous actors in modern television. His roles include Officer Mathias in "Longmire," Hanzee Dent in "Fargo," Akecheta in "Westworld," Officer Big in "Reservation Dogs," and Lt. Joe Leaphorn in "Dark Winds."
Born to a Hunkpapa Lakota father and Irish-American mother, McClarnon has spoken openly about his struggles with addiction and journey to sobriety. His raw, nuanced performances consistently bring depth and humanity to Indigenous characters.
Karuk · athletes · Naomi Lang is a Karuk ice dancer who made history as the first Native American to compete in the Winter Olympics at the 2002 Salt Lake City Games. She won five consecutive U.S. National Championships (2000-2004).
Lang has spoken about the connection between traditional Native dance and ice dancing, and has been honored by multiple Indigenous organizations for breaking barriers in winter sports.
Salish / Kootenai · artists · Jaune Quick-to-See Smith is a Salish and Kootenai artist who received a major retrospective at the Whitney Museum in 2023 — the museum's first-ever solo show for a Native American artist.
Her art combines abstract expressionism, pop art, and traditional Native imagery to address land rights, environmental destruction, and Indigenous identity. Her work is in MoMA, the Met, and the National Gallery.
Choctaw / Cherokee · artists · Jeffrey Gibson is a Choctaw and Cherokee artist who made history in 2024 as the first Indigenous artist to represent the United States with a solo exhibition at the Venice Biennale.
His work spans painting, sculpture, and textile arts, blending Indigenous craft traditions with contemporary art. He received the MacArthur Fellowship ("Genius Grant") and is considered one of the most important living American artists.
Caddo / Kiowa · artists · T.C. Cannon (1946-1978) was a Caddo and Kiowa painter who, alongside Fritz Scholder, helped launch the contemporary Native American art movement. Despite dying at 31, his pop-art-influenced paintings of modern Native subjects continue to influence artists today.
A Vietnam War veteran, his work is in the Smithsonian and the Denver Art Museum. A major retrospective toured nationally in 2018.
Luiseño · artists · Fritz Scholder (1937-2005) was a Luiseño painter who revolutionized Native American art with bold, expressionistic paintings that challenged romantic and stereotypical depictions of Indigenous people.
His paintings are in the Smithsonian American Art Museum, the Whitney Museum, and MoMA. He received the Lifetime Achievement Award from the National Museum of the American Indian.
Cherokee · athletes · Sam Bradford is a Cherokee former NFL quarterback who won the 2008 Heisman Trophy at Oklahoma and was the #1 overall pick in the 2010 NFL Draft. He played for the Rams, Eagles, Vikings, and Cardinals.
Bradford is the highest-drafted Native American quarterback in NFL history and has supported Native American youth sports programs.
Navajo / Isleta Pueblo / San Felipe Pueblo · athletes · Notah Begay III is the only full-blooded Native American to play on the PGA Tour. A former Stanford teammate of Tiger Woods, Begay won four PGA Tour events. He now works as a golf analyst for NBC Sports.
He founded the NB3 Foundation, addressing obesity, diabetes, and health disparities in Native American youth through sports and wellness programs.
Cherokee · athletes · Angel Goodrich is a Cherokee basketball player who became one of the most accomplished Native American women in college basketball at the University of Kansas. She was drafted by the Tulsa Shock in the 2013 WNBA Draft.
Growing up in Tahlequah, Oklahoma — the capital of the Cherokee Nation — Goodrich has worked with Native American youth basketball programs.
Oglala Lakota · athletes · Billy Mills is an Oglala Lakota distance runner who achieved one of the greatest upsets in Olympic history by winning the 10,000 meters at the 1964 Tokyo Olympics. He remains the only American to ever win Olympic gold in that event.
Growing up in poverty on the Pine Ridge Reservation, Mills was orphaned by age 12. After his Olympic triumph, he co-founded Running Strong for American Indian Youth, providing over $100 million in aid to Indian Country.
Navajo · athletes · Jacoby Ellsbury is a Navajo former MLB outfielder who played for the Boston Red Sox and New York Yankees. He won two World Series championships (2007, 2013) and was a 2011 All-Star with 32 home runs and 39 stolen bases.
One of the most successful Native American baseball players in modern history, Ellsbury has been proud of his Navajo heritage throughout his career.
Laguna Pueblo · authors · Leslie Marmon Silko is a Laguna Pueblo novelist whose "Ceremony" (1977) is considered one of the greatest works of Native American literature. She received a MacArthur "Genius" Fellowship in 1981.
Growing up at Laguna Pueblo, Silko's work has been translated into dozens of languages and is studied in universities worldwide.
Cheyenne / Arapaho · authors · Tommy Orange is a Cheyenne and Arapaho author whose debut "There There" was a Pulitzer Prize finalist and won the PEN/Hemingway Award. The novel follows twelve characters at the Big Oakland Powwow, giving voice to urban Native American life.
His follow-up "Wandering Stars" (2024) continues the story while weaving in historical narratives of Native American resilience.
San Ildefonso Pueblo · artists · Maria Martinez (1887-1980) was a San Ildefonso Pueblo potter who is arguably the most famous Native American artist in history. She and her husband Julian developed the distinctive black-on-black pottery style that became iconic in Native American art.
Her work revolutionized the market for Native American pottery and she trained multiple generations of Pueblo potters. Her pieces command prices in the tens of thousands.
Muscogee (Creek) · authors · Joy Harjo is a Muscogee (Creek) poet who served as the 23rd United States Poet Laureate — the first Native American to hold the position. She served three terms (2019-2022).
Her poetry weaves Indigenous mythology with personal narrative and social justice. As Poet Laureate, she created "Living Nations, Living Words," a project featuring contemporary Native American poetry. She is also an accomplished saxophonist.
Turtle Mountain Chippewa · authors · Louise Erdrich is a Turtle Mountain Chippewa author who won the 2021 Pulitzer Prize for Fiction for "The Night Watchman." She has written over 20 novels including "Love Medicine" and "The Round House" (National Book Award winner).
Widely considered one of the greatest living American writers, she owns Birchbark Books in Minneapolis.
Potawatomi · authors · Robin Wall Kimmerer is a Potawatomi author and botanist whose "Braiding Sweetgrass" became a cultural phenomenon, spending years on the NYT bestseller list. The book interweaves Indigenous knowledge with Western science.
She received a MacArthur Fellowship and is widely considered one of the most important voices in contemporary environmental writing.
Standing Rock Sioux · authors · Vine Deloria Jr. (1933-2005) was a Standing Rock Sioux author whose "Custer Died for Your Sins: An Indian Manifesto" (1969) is one of the most influential works of Native American non-fiction ever written.
Called "the most important Native American intellectual of the 20th century," his legal scholarship shaped modern federal Indian law and tribal sovereignty.
Kiowa · authors · N. Scott Momaday is a Kiowa novelist who won the 1969 Pulitzer Prize for Fiction for "House Made of Dawn," launching the Native American Renaissance in literature.
He received the National Medal of Arts and a UNESCO Artist for Peace designation. He is considered the father of modern Native American literature.
Spokane / Coeur d'Alene · authors · Sherman Alexie is a Spokane and Coeur d'Alene author whose "The Absolutely True Diary of a Part-Time Indian" won the National Book Award. His "Lone Ranger and Tonto Fistfight in Heaven" was adapted into the acclaimed film "Smoke Signals."
Growing up on the Spokane Reservation, Alexie's work has brought Native American literature into the mainstream and inspired countless Indigenous writers.
Chiricahua Apache · artists · Allan Houser (1914-1994), the nephew of Geronimo, was a Chiricahua Apache sculptor considered the patriarch of modern Native American sculpture. His large-scale bronze and stone sculptures are displayed worldwide.
He received the National Medal of Arts from President George H.W. Bush in 1992, the highest honor for artistic achievement in the United States.
Plains Cree / Saulteaux · musicians · LOV is a Treaty 6 Saskatchewan-based artist known for her smoky, expressive voice and empowering odes to independence and strength. Hailing from the Plains Cree and Saulteaux Nations, she has built a devoted following of over 186,000 fans with her soulful blend of R&B, pop, and alternative sounds rooted in Indigenous identity. Her music carries themes of resilience, self-love, and cultural pride, delivered through intimate vocals and moody, guitar-driven production. LOV's artistry bridges contemporary sound with the spirit of her heritage, making her one of the most compelling emerging Indigenous voices in Canadian music today.
Kiowa / Apache · comedians · Adrianne Chalepah is a Kiowa and Apache comedian, actress, and writer who has appeared on "Reservation Dogs" and "Rutherford Falls." She co-founded the Native sketch comedy group "The Vanishing Indian."
She is part of a growing movement of Native American women finding their voices in comedy and entertainment.
Oneida / Mohawk / Cree · comedians · Charlie Hill (1951-2013) was the first Native American stand-up comic to appear on national television. He appeared on "The Tonight Show with Johnny Carson," "The Richard Pryor Show," and "Late Night with David Letterman."
Hill paved the way for every Native American comedian who followed. Richard Pryor was an early supporter of his career.
Cree · comedians · Howie Miller is a Cree comedian from Manitoba who is one of the most popular Indigenous comedians in North America. His observational humor about rez life and navigating life as a Native person has made him a crowd favorite.
He frequently performs at events benefiting Indigenous causes and is considered a pioneer of Indigenous stand-up comedy in Canada.
Oglala Lakota / Omaha / Navajo · comedians · Tatanka Means is an Oglala Lakota, Omaha, and Navajo comedian and actor. The son of activist Russell Means, his acting credits include "Reservation Dogs," "Killers of the Flower Moon," and "Tiger."
His combination of comedy and acting has made him one of the most recognizable figures in Indian Country entertainment.
Ojibwe (Sault Ste. Marie Tribe) · authors · Angeline Boulley is an Ojibwe author whose debut "Firekeeper's Daughter" was a #1 NYT bestseller. The YA thriller follows a biracial Ojibwe teen who goes undercover to investigate a drug crisis on her reservation.
Netflix is developing the TV adaptation. Boulley spent 18 years in federal Indian education before beginning to write at age 50.
Various Nations · comedians · The 1491s are a Native American comedy group whose viral sketch videos have brought Indigenous humor to millions. Members include Dallas Goldtooth (Dakota/Diné), Sterlin Harjo (Seminole/Muscogee), and others.
Sterlin Harjo went on to co-create "Reservation Dogs" with Taika Waititi. The group represents a new generation of Indigenous humor using digital platforms.
Navajo · comedians · Marc Yaffee is a Navajo comedian called "the Native American Seinfeld" for his observational style. He has performed over 2,000 shows and appeared on PBS and Showtime.
His comedy covers growing up mixed-race (Navajo and Jewish), reservation life, and cultural clashes. A former foster child, Yaffee uses his personal story to inspire others.
Comanche · actors · Gil Birmingham (born July 13, 1953) is a Comanche actor known for his powerful on-screen presence across film and television. He is best known for his role as Tribal Chairman Thomas Rainwater on the hit Paramount series "Yellowstone" (2018–present), where he plays a shrewd and determined leader fighting to reclaim ancestral lands. Birmingham also played Billy Black in the "Twilight" saga films and delivered a critically acclaimed performance in Taylor Sheridan's "Wind River" (2017). A former petroleum engineer who pivoted to acting, Birmingham has built one of the most impressive careers of any Native actor in Hollywood. He is a strong advocate for authentic Native representation in media and has spoken about the importance of complex, fully realized Indigenous characters on screen.
Cree (Alexander First Nation) · comedians · Don Burnstick is a Cree comedian from Alberta who uses comedy as a tool for healing. A recovering alcoholic, he incorporates messages about sobriety and mental health into his performances.
His annual comedy tours across reservations and First Nations communities are among the most anticipated events in Indian Country.
Cayuga (Six Nations) · actors · Gary Farmer (born June 12, 1953) is a Cayuga Nation member from the Six Nations Reserve in Ohsweken, Ontario, and one of the most accomplished Indigenous actors in film history. He earned an Independent Spirit Award nomination for his powerful performance in "Powwow Highway" (1989) and is beloved for his iconic role as Nobody in Jim Jarmusch's "Dead Man" (1995) alongside Johnny Depp. He reprised a version of that character in Jarmusch's "Ghost Dog: The Way of the Samurai" (1999). Farmer has appeared in "Smoke Signals" (1998), "Skins" (2002), and the FX hit series "Reservation Dogs." Beyond acting, he founded Aboriginal Voices magazine and has been a tireless advocate for Indigenous stories in media. His career spans over four decades of groundbreaking work.
Oglala Lakota · musicians · Stella Standingbear (born Esparanza Stella Standing Bear) is an Oglala Lakota rapper, singer, and songwriter who resides on the Pine Ridge Reservation in South Dakota. She blends alt-rap, R&B, and pop with conscious lyrics about healing, empowerment, and social justice. A fierce advocate for the Missing and Murdered Indigenous Women movement, her music speaks to the realities and resilience of her community. In 2023, she became the first Lakota artist to secure two wins at the International Indigenous Hip-Hop Awards in Vancouver, taking home Best Female Hip-Hop Artist and Music Video of the Year for her debut single "Home Runs." She is a two-time Native American Music Awards (NAMMY) winner and has been profiled in Teen Vogue and Dazed Digital. Her debut single reached number one on the NCI FM Indigenous Music Countdown on SiriusXM.
Muskeg Lake Cree Nation · actors · Michael Greyeyes (born June 4, 1967) is a citizen of the Muskeg Lake Cree Nation in Saskatchewan, Canada, and a multi-talented actor, dancer, choreographer, director, and educator. A classically trained ballet dancer, he performed with the National Ballet of Canada before transitioning to acting. Greyeyes has delivered powerful performances in "Wild Indian" (2021), "Blood Quantum" (2019), "Fireheart" (2022), the FX series "Reservation Dogs," and "Rutherford Falls." He played Sitting Bull in the TNT series "Klondike" and Crazy Horse in the HBO film "Bury My Heart at Wounded Knee." As a professor at York University in Toronto, he mentors the next generation of Indigenous artists. Greyeyes brings deep cultural knowledge and artistic excellence to every project.
Lumbee · athletes · Ashton Locklear (born January 13, 1998) is a Lumbee Tribe member from North Carolina and a former elite artistic gymnast. She became the first Native American woman to qualify for the U.S. Olympic gymnastics team when she was named to the 2016 Rio Olympic team as an alternate. Locklear was a dominant force on uneven bars, winning gold at the 2014 Pan American Championships, the 2015 City of Jesolo Trophy, and multiple U.S. Classic and national championship medals. She was the 2016 U.S. national silver medalist on uneven bars. Locklear represented the Lumbee people proudly throughout her career, inspiring Indigenous youth to pursue gymnastics and dream big. She retired from competitive gymnastics in 2019.
Seaconke Wampanoag / Nipmuc · actors · Kali Reis (born August 24, 1986) is a professional boxer and actress of Seaconke Wampanoag and Nipmuc descent from Providence, Rhode Island. She held world championship titles in two weight classes — the WBA and WBO female super lightweight titles — before making a stunning acting debut as detective Evangeline Navarro in HBO's "True Detective: Night Country" (2024) alongside Jodie Foster. Reis brought raw authenticity and intensity to the role, which was set in Alaska and centered on Indigenous themes. She is a proud advocate for Indigenous visibility and has spoken about using her platform in both boxing and acting to uplift Native communities. Reis is one of the most exciting crossover talents in entertainment today.
Fort Peck (Lakota/Nez Perce) · actors · Chaske Spencer is a member of the Fort Peck Tribes with Lakota, Nez Perce, Cherokee, and Creek heritage. Born on March 9, 1975, in Tahlequah, Oklahoma, he was raised on reservations in Montana and Idaho. Spencer gained widespread recognition playing Sam Uley, the alpha wolf pack leader, in the "Twilight" saga films (2009–2012). He starred in the Apple TV+ series "Echo" (2024) alongside Alaqua Cox, and delivered acclaimed performances in "Winter in the Blood" (2013), "Wild Indian" (2021), and "The English" (2022). A graduate of Juilliard-affiliated acting programs, Spencer is dedicated to bringing complex Native characters to mainstream audiences.
Cheyenne/Arapaho · actors · Chris Eyre (born 1968) is an enrolled member of the Cheyenne and Arapaho Tribes of Oklahoma and the most influential Native American filmmaker of his generation. He directed "Smoke Signals" (1998), the first feature film written, directed, and co-produced by Native Americans to receive a wide theatrical release — it won the Audience Award at Sundance. Eyre went on to direct "Skins" (2002), "Edge of America" (2003), and numerous television episodes including "Friday Night Lights" and "Reservation Dogs." Adopted at birth and raised by a non-Native family in Oregon, he reconnected with his tribal heritage as a young man. He studied at NYU Film School and has mentored countless Indigenous filmmakers throughout his career.
Oglala Lakota · actors · Mo Brings Plenty (born September 4, 1969) is an enrolled member of the Oglala Lakota from the Pine Ridge Reservation in South Dakota. A direct descendant of warriors who fought at the Battle of Little Bighorn, he carries the traditional name Ta Sunke Wospapi ("catches his horse"). Mo is best known for his role as Mo on the hit Paramount series "Yellowstone" (2018–present), where he also serves as a cultural advisor ensuring authentic Native representation. A champion traditional dancer, skilled horseman, and stunt coordinator, Mo has appeared in over 30 film and television productions including "Into the West," "Hidalgo," and "The Revenant." He brings deep Lakota cultural knowledge to every project and is a powerful advocate for authentic Native storytelling in Hollywood.
Tla'amin (Coast Salish) · actors · Evan Adams (born November 15, 1966) is a Coast Salish actor, playwright, and physician from the Tla'amin (Sliammon) First Nation in British Columbia, Canada. He is best known for his beloved portrayal of Thomas Builds-the-Fire in the groundbreaking film "Smoke Signals" (1998), written by Sherman Alexie — the first feature film written, directed, and acted entirely by Native Americans. Adams won a Special Jury Award at Sundance for the role. Beyond acting, he earned his medical degree and has served as Deputy Chief Medical Officer for the First Nations Health Authority in British Columbia. He exemplifies the power of Indigenous people excelling in multiple fields and using every platform to uplift their communities.
Lower Brulé Lakota · actors · Eddie Spears (born November 29, 1982) is a member of the Kul Wičaša Oyate Lakota from the Lower Brulé Sioux Tribe of South Dakota. He grew up on the Lower Brulé Reservation and discovered his passion for acting as a teenager. Spears has built an impressive career with roles in Steven Spielberg's Emmy-winning miniseries "Into the West" (2005), Cinemax's "Banshee" (2013–2016), "Black Cloud" (2004), and "Dreamkeeper" (2003). He and his brother Michael have been trailblazers for Lakota representation in film and television. Known for his intense screen presence and commitment to authentic portrayals, Spears continues to push for more meaningful Native roles in the industry.
Cheyenne River Lakota · comedians · Jana Schmieding is a Mniconjou and Sicangu Lakota comedian, actor, writer, and podcaster enrolled in the Cheyenne River Sioux Tribe. Born and raised in rural Oregon, she made history as the first Native American woman to be a series regular on a broadcast network comedy when she starred as Reagan Wells in NBC's "Rutherford Falls" (2021–2022) alongside Ed Helms. She also served as a writer on the show, bringing authentic Native perspectives to the writers room. Schmieding hosts the popular podcast "Woman of Size" and has performed stand-up comedy across the country. She has spoken publicly about representation, body positivity, and what it means to be Native in Hollywood. Her comedy is warm, sharp, and deeply personal.
Cochiti Pueblo · artists · Virgil Ortiz (born 1969) is a visionary Cochiti Pueblo artist from New Mexico known for blending traditional Pueblo pottery with futuristic storytelling and high fashion. His distinctive black-and-white ceramics feature Cochiti figurative traditions alongside sci-fi inspired characters from his ongoing narrative about the 1680 Pueblo Revolt — reimagined as a time-travel epic. Ortiz's work spans pottery, fashion design, filmmaking, and digital art. He has shown at galleries and museums worldwide, collaborated with major fashion houses, and been featured in Vogue. Coming from a long lineage of Cochiti potters, he learned the art from his mother Seferina and grandmother Laurencita Herrera. He pushes the boundaries of what Indigenous art can be while honoring ancestral traditions.
Ojibwe (Grand Portage) · artists · George Morrison (1919–2000), whose Ojibwe name was Wah Wah Teh Go Nay Ga Bo ("Standing in the Northern Lights"), was a groundbreaking Grand Portage Band of Lake Superior Chippewa artist from Minnesota. He was one of the first Native American artists to achieve recognition in the mainstream abstract expressionist movement, studying alongside de Kooning and exhibiting in New York galleries alongside his contemporaries. His horizon-line paintings — vast, luminous abstractions inspired by Lake Superior — bridged Indigenous connections to land with modernist form. Morrison taught at the Minneapolis College of Art and Design and the University of Minnesota, mentoring generations of artists. His work hangs in major museums including the Whitney and the Smithsonian.
Chemehuevi · artists · Cara Romero (born 1977) is an enrolled citizen of the Chemehuevi Indian Tribe and a fine art photographer creating monumental digital photographs that examine contemporary Indigenous life. Based in Santa Fe, New Mexico, Romero's large-scale works blend documentary photography with staged, cinematic compositions featuring Native subjects in powerful, dignified portrayals. Her 2019 photograph "Indian Land" was projected on the facade of the Emily Morgan Hotel in San Antonio — the first time a Native woman's artwork was projected on a building in the city. She has exhibited at the Smithsonian, the Museum of Contemporary Native Arts, and Desert X. Romero's work challenges stereotypes and centers Indigenous joy, strength, and modernity.
Oneida · actors · Graham Greene is an Oneida actor from the Six Nations in Ontario, Canada. He received an Academy Award nomination for Best Supporting Actor for "Dances with Wolves" (1990).
Greene's career spans over four decades with roles in "Thunderheart," "Maverick," "Die Hard with a Vengeance," "The Green Mile," and "Longmire." His versatility allows him to move seamlessly between dramatic and comedic roles.
Beyond Hollywood, Greene has championed Indigenous storytelling in Canadian film and television. He has mentored young Native actors and advocated for more Indigenous content in mainstream media.
Wiyot · artists · Rick Bartow (1946–2016) was a member of the Mad River Band of the Wiyot Tribe from Newport, Oregon. A Vietnam War veteran who struggled with PTSD, Bartow channeled his experiences into powerful, expressionist art that blended Native spirituality with raw emotional intensity. His paintings, prints, and sculptures often featured transformation imagery — humans becoming animals, spirits emerging from earth. His monumental 21-foot cedar sculpture "We Were Always Here" stands at the Smithsonian's National Museum of the American Indian in Washington, D.C. Bartow showed in galleries worldwide and was recognized with a Lifetime Achievement Award from the Smithsonian. His art is a testament to healing, resilience, and the transformative power of creativity.
Kiowa · athletes · Chris Wondolowski (born January 28, 1983) is a Kiowa Nation member and the all-time leading goal scorer in Major League Soccer history with 171 career goals. Born in Danville, California, Wondolowski played his entire professional career with the San Jose Earthquakes from 2005 to 2021. He won the MLS Golden Boot as the league's top scorer in 2010 and 2012, earned four MLS All-Star selections, and was named to the 2014 U.S. World Cup roster. Wondolowski proudly represented his Kiowa heritage throughout his career, often acknowledging his grandmother's influence and his connection to his tribal community. His record-breaking achievement stands as a testament to perseverance and Native excellence in professional sports.
Sac and Fox · athletes · Jim Thorpe (Wa-Tho-Huk, meaning "Bright Path") is widely considered the greatest athlete of the 20th century. A member of the Sac and Fox Nation, Thorpe won two Olympic gold medals at the 1912 Stockholm Olympics, played professional football, baseball, and basketball, and was the first president of the NFL.
His Olympic medals were controversially stripped in 1913 but were fully restored in 2022. He was named the "Greatest Athlete of the First Half of the 20th Century" by the Associated Press. The town of Jim Thorpe, Pennsylvania is named in his honor.
Inuit (Rankin Inlet) · athletes · Jordin Tootoo (born February 2, 1983) is an Inuk from Rankin Inlet, Nunavut, who made history as the first Inuk to play in the National Hockey League. His middle name, Kudluk, means "thunder" in Inuktitut. Drafted by the Nashville Predators in 2001, Tootoo played 13 NHL seasons with the Predators, Detroit Red Wings, and New Jersey Devils, known for his fearless physical style and fighting spirit. He overcame personal tragedy — his older brother Terence died by suicide — and battled alcohol addiction, openly sharing his recovery story to help other Indigenous youth. Tootoo wrote the memoir "All the Way: My Life on Ice" and has become a powerful advocate for mental health awareness in Indigenous communities across Canada.
Ho-Chunk Nation · athletes · Sharice Davids (born May 22, 1980) is a citizen of the Ho-Chunk Nation and made history as one of the first two Native American women elected to the United States Congress in 2018. Before politics, Davids was a mixed martial arts fighter who competed professionally while earning her law degree from Cornell University. She trained at an elite MMA gym in the Kansas City area and competed in multiple professional bouts. Davids also served as a White House Fellow under President Obama. As a representative from Kansas's 3rd district, she focused on healthcare, veterans' issues, and Indigenous rights. An openly LGBTQ+ Native woman, Davids broke multiple barriers simultaneously and has inspired a new generation of Indigenous leaders in politics and beyond.
Chickasaw Nation · athletes · John Herrington (born September 14, 1958) is an enrolled member of the Chickasaw Nation and the first Native American to fly in space. In November 2002, he launched aboard Space Shuttle Endeavour on mission STS-113 to the International Space Station, where he performed three spacewalks totaling nearly 20 hours. Herrington carried the Chickasaw Nation flag and an eagle feather into orbit, honoring his heritage among the stars. A former Navy test pilot, he earned his astronaut wings at NASA's Johnson Space Center. After retiring from NASA, Herrington biked across America to promote science education in tribal communities. He is a powerful role model for Indigenous youth interested in STEM and continues to inspire through speaking engagements across Indian Country.
Blackfeet · authors · Stephen Graham Jones (born January 22, 1972) is an enrolled member of the Blackfeet Tribe and one of the most prolific and acclaimed authors working today. He has published over 30 novels and collections, with his horror novel "The Only Good Indians" (2020) becoming a New York Times bestseller and winning the Bram Stoker Award. His follow-up "My Heart Is a Chainsaw" (2021) and "Don't Fear the Reaper" (2023) cemented his status as the master of Indigenous horror. Jones blends Native perspectives with genre fiction in ways that have revitalized the horror landscape. He is a professor at the University of Colorado Boulder and has won the NEA Fellowship, the Mark Twain American Voice in Literature Award, and numerous other honors.
Omaha Tribe of Nebraska · authors · Meredith Schramm is a member of the Omaha Tribe of Nebraska and an author, educator, and advocate for Native youth. She authored "Native American Lesson Plans: A Look into Natives Today," a comprehensive K-12 curriculum resource designed to teach students about contemporary Native American life beyond the stereotypes. Written from her perspective as an enrolled tribal member and certified teacher, the book includes 14 full lesson plans with culturally accurate content. Schramm graduated from Brigham Young University in 2005 with an education degree and serves as a Native American advisor with the Provo City School District in Utah, where she supports approximately 200 Native students. She is a Running Strong Dreamstarter Teacher and is dedicated to ensuring Native children see themselves reflected in their education.
Navajo (Diné) · comedians · Kelvin Mockingbird is a Navajo (Diné) comedian who has been performing stand-up comedy across Indian Country and beyond. Known for his observational humor about reservation life, modern Native identity, and the collision of traditional and contemporary worlds, Mockingbird connects with audiences through storytelling that is both hilarious and deeply rooted in his Diné upbringing. He has toured extensively on the Native comedy circuit and has opened for major acts at tribal casinos and comedy venues. Mockingbird represents the vibrant tradition of Navajo humor — a culture where laughter has always been a vital part of community life and healing.
Turtle Mountain Ojibwe · authors · Heid E. Erdrich (born November 26, 1963) is a member of the Turtle Mountain Band of Ojibwe and an award-winning poet, author, editor, and curator. The sister of acclaimed novelist Louise Erdrich, Heid has published multiple poetry collections including "Little Big Bully" (2020), which won the National Poetry Series. Her work explores Indigenous identity, history, language, and the natural world with precision and power. Erdrich edited the groundbreaking anthology "New Poets of Native Nations" (2018), showcasing 21 Indigenous poets. She is also a curator and has organized exhibitions of contemporary Indigenous art. Based in Minneapolis, she is a vital force in Indigenous literary culture and a champion of emerging Native voices.
Navajo (Diné) · comedians · Ernie Tsosie is a Navajo (Diné) comedian and cultural storyteller who blends traditional Navajo humor with modern stand-up comedy. Based in the Southwest, Tsosie has performed at venues across Indian Country, using comedy as a way to share Navajo stories, traditions, and perspectives with both Native and non-Native audiences. His performances often feature characters and scenarios drawn from reservation life, told with the warmth and timing that define Diné humor. Tsosie is part of a rich tradition of Navajo comedians who use laughter to strengthen community bonds and address the realities of contemporary Native life. He continues to tour and perform, bringing joy and cultural pride to his audiences.
Anishinaabe (Couchiching FN) · comedians · Ryan McMahon is an Anishinaabe comedian, writer, podcaster, and media maker from Couchiching First Nation in Treaty 3 Territory in Ontario, Canada. He is the creator and host of "Red Man Laughing," one of the longest-running Indigenous podcasts, and "Thunder Bay," an investigative podcast about Indigenous deaths in Thunder Bay that sparked national conversation. McMahon has performed stand-up comedy across North America for over a decade, using humor to tackle colonialism, racism, and Indigenous identity with sharp wit and heart. He founded the Indigenous media company Makoons Media and has been a leading voice in Indigenous comedy and digital storytelling. His comedy specials and podcast work have earned him a devoted following.
Yurok · comedians · Dash Turner is a Yurok comedian and performer known for his sharp stand-up comedy that draws on his experience growing up as a Native American. Based in California, Turner has performed at comedy clubs and festivals across the country, bringing Indigenous humor to diverse audiences. His comedy explores Native identity, reservation life, and the absurdities of navigating two worlds — the traditional and the modern. Turner is part of a growing wave of young Native comedians who are bringing Indigenous perspectives to the national comedy scene. He has been featured in Native comedy showcases and continues to build a devoted following with his authentic, relatable humor.
Akimel O'odham (Pima) · musicians · Raye Zaragoza (born April 16, 1993) is an Akimel O'odham (Pima) folk singer-songwriter and activist from New York City, now based in Los Angeles. Her protest anthem "In the River" (2016), written in response to the Standing Rock pipeline protests, went viral and established her as a fearless voice for Indigenous rights. Zaragoza's albums "Fight for You" (2017), "Woman in Color" (2020), and "Hold That Spirit" (2024) blend folk, Americana, and Indigenous musical traditions with lyrics about identity, environmental justice, and empowerment. She was named one of "8 Artists Shaping the Future of Protest Music" by the Grammy Museum. Zaragoza is also an advocate for the Missing and Murdered Indigenous Women movement.
Mohawk / Cayuga · musicians · Robbie Robertson was a legendary Mohawk and Cayuga musician, songwriter, and guitarist best known as the lead guitarist and primary songwriter for The Band. Born on the Six Nations reserve in Ontario, Robertson became one of the most influential figures in rock and roll history.
The Band's music — including classics like "The Weight" and "The Night They Drove Old Dixie Down" — helped define Americana and roots rock. Their farewell concert "The Last Waltz" (1976), directed by Martin Scorsese, is one of the greatest concert films ever made.
Later in his career, Robertson returned to his Indigenous roots, producing "Music for the Native Americans" (1994) and "Contact from the Underworld of Redboy" (1998). He passed away in 2023, leaving behind an unparalleled legacy in music.
Pima (Salt River) · musicians · DJ Element (Logan Howard) is a Pima DJ and producer from the Salt River Indian Reservation in Arizona. He is best known as the other half of the powerhouse duo alongside Supaman (Christian Parrish Takes Gun), providing the beats and production that fuel Supaman's electrifying live performances. Together, DJ Element and Supaman bring over 50 years of combined hip-hop experience to stages across the country. Beyond concerts and festivals, the duo performs educational school assemblies throughout the U.S., using hip-hop to teach Native American history, culture, sobriety, and positive life messages. DJ Element engages audiences by having students collaborate on beat mixes during interactive presentations. His production style blends classic hip-hop with Indigenous cultural elements, creating a sound that is both modern and rooted in Native identity. A dedicated advocate for youth empowerment, DJ Element uses his music to spread messages of respect, kindness, love, and cultural pride across Indian Country.
Crow Creek Sioux (Dakota) · comedians · Mylo Smith is a nationally recognized comedian, motivational speaker, and event emcee from the Crow Creek Sioux Tribe (Crow Creek-Dakota) in South Dakota. Raised by his grandmother in Wakpala and on the Crow Creek Reservation, Smith overcame a challenging childhood — growing up around alcohol and drug abuse, with a mother in prison and a father he never knew — and turned his pain into laughter. He started doing stand-up over 15 years ago as an opening act and developed into a nationally touring headliner, placing 3rd in a Hollywood "Up and Coming Stars of Tomorrow" comedy contest. Smith performs at tribal casinos, conferences, colleges, and comedy clubs across the country, bringing a style rooted in reservation life, family, sobriety, and resilience. Beyond comedy, he is a powerful motivational speaker who shares his story of overcoming adversity to inspire Native youth. His message is simple and real: no matter where you come from, you can make it.
Oglala Lakota/Omaha/Navajo · musicians · Nataanii Means is an Oglala Lakota, Omaha, and Navajo rapper and musician from Pine Ridge, South Dakota. The son of activist Russell Means, Nataanii has carved his own path in Indigenous hip-hop with music that blends traditional Native sounds with modern rap and R&B. His songs address reservation life, identity, cultural pride, and the resilience of Indigenous people. Means has performed at venues and festivals across Indian Country and has built a devoted following among Indigenous youth. His music videos showcase the beauty and reality of life on Pine Ridge and the Navajo Nation. He carries forward his family's legacy of activism through art, using hip-hop as a vehicle for Indigenous empowerment and truth-telling.
Ponca/Ojibwe · comedians · Migizi Pensoneau is a Ponca and Ojibwe comedian, writer, and performer who is a co-founding member of The 1491s, the groundbreaking Indigenous sketch comedy group. Born and raised in Oklahoma, Pensoneau has been a driving creative force behind The 1491s' viral videos that have challenged Native stereotypes with sharp, irreverent humor. The group's work helped pave the way for shows like "Reservation Dogs." Beyond comedy, Pensoneau has worked in Indigenous media and storytelling, contributing to projects that center Native voices and perspectives. He is known for his quick wit, fearless comedy, and dedication to using humor as a tool for Indigenous empowerment and cultural preservation.
Sičáŋǧu Lakota (Rosebud) · artists · Dyani White Hawk (born 1976) is a Sičáŋǧu Lakota artist enrolled in the Rosebud Sioux Tribe, based in Minneapolis, Minnesota. Her work bridges minimalist abstraction with traditional Lakota beadwork and quillwork patterns, creating stunning large-scale paintings and textile works that honor Indigenous women's artistic traditions. White Hawk's paintings have been exhibited at the Whitney Biennial, the Walker Art Center, the Denver Art Museum, and the Smithsonian. She is a recipient of the Joan Mitchell Foundation grant and a McKnight Fellowship. Her piece "Quiet Strength" and her "Take Up Space" series are landmark works in contemporary Native art. White Hawk is also an educator who mentors emerging Indigenous artists across the country.
Alexis Nakota Sioux · actors · Paulina Alexis (born September 10, 2000) is a First Nations actress from the Alexis Nakota Sioux Nation reserve in Alberta, Canada. Her traditional Stoney Nakoda name is Wǎgíyaŋ Čížaŋ, meaning "Young Eagle." She became a breakout star playing Willie Jack in the critically acclaimed FX series "Reservation Dogs" (2021–2023), created by Sterlin Harjo and Taika Waititi. Her fierce, funny, and deeply human portrayal of Willie Jack made her a fan favorite and earned widespread praise. Alexis had no prior professional acting experience before being cast — she auditioned on a whim and beat out hundreds of candidates. She has become a role model for Indigenous youth and continues to build her acting career with new projects.
Apsaalooke Nation · musicians · Supaman (Christian Parrish Takes the Gun) is an Apsáalooke (Crow) hip-hop artist, dancer, and community activist from the Crow Reservation in Montana. Known for blending traditional Native American music and dance with modern hip-hop, Supaman has become one of the most recognizable voices in Indigenous music.
His music videos have garnered millions of views, and his performances combine fancy dancing in full regalia with powerful rap lyrics addressing Native identity, resilience, and social issues. His hit "Why" won a Native American Music Award and has been used in campaigns promoting Native youth empowerment.
Supaman is passionate about reaching young people in Indian Country, regularly visiting schools and youth centers on reservations to share messages about staying drug-free, embracing culture, and pursuing education. He has been recognized by MTV, the Smithsonian, and numerous Indigenous arts organizations for his groundbreaking fusion of traditional and contemporary art forms.
Yanktonai Dakota · artists · Oscar Howe (1915–1983), whose Dakota name was Mazuha Hokshina ("Trader Boy"), was a revolutionary Yanktonai Dakota artist from the Crow Creek Reservation in South Dakota. He transformed Native American art by blending traditional Dakota imagery with modernist techniques, including Cubism and abstract expressionism. When the Philbrook Museum rejected his work as "not Indian enough," Howe wrote a powerful letter declaring Native artists free to explore any style — a pivotal moment in the Indian art world. He served as Artist Laureate of South Dakota and taught at the University of South Dakota for decades. His dynamic, geometric paintings of Sun Dances, buffalo hunts, and Dakota life remain among the most important works in Native American art history.
Oneida Nation · artists · Scott Hill (Wakatatlihuni) is an Oneida artist born and raised on the Oneida Reservation in Wisconsin. His Oneida name means "he teaches himself" — a fitting description for this entirely self-taught artist who has been creating for over 25 years from his studio and gallery in Oneida. Hill works across painting, sculpting, and his distinctive rock sculptures, creating pieces that honor Oneida traditions and the natural world. His art reflects a deep connection to the land, water, and spiritual traditions of the Oneida people. Working in multiple mediums including acrylics, stone, and mixed media, Hill brings a unique vision to contemporary Native art. He is a proud Oneida Nation member whose work is collected and admired throughout Indian Country.
Fort Peck Assiniboine and Sioux · actors · Amber Midthunder (born April 26, 1997) is a citizen of the Fort Peck Assiniboine and Sioux Tribe and a rising star in Hollywood. Born in Shiprock, New Mexico on the Navajo Nation, she began acting as a child and has built an impressive career in both film and television. She starred as Naru in the critically acclaimed Predator prequel "Prey" (2022), which received widespread praise and put her on the map as a leading action star. She has had regular roles in FX's "Legion" and The CW's "Roswell, New Mexico," and appeared on "Longmire" and "Banshee." Midthunder's father David is also an actor of Hunkpapa Lakota, Sisseton Dakota, and Assiniboine descent. She is a proud advocate for Native representation in media.
Mdewakanton Dakota/Diné · comedians · Dallas Goldtooth (born May 3, 1983) is a Mdewakanton Dakota and Diné (Navajo) actor, comedian, writer, and environmental activist. He grew up on the Yankton Sioux and Lower Sioux Indian Reservations in Minnesota and South Dakota. Goldtooth is a co-founding member of The 1491s comedy group, known for their viral sketch comedy that challenges stereotypes of Native people with sharp humor. He broke through as an actor playing Spirit in the hit FX series "Reservation Dogs" (2021–2023). He is also a longtime environmental justice organizer with the Indigenous Environmental Network and was a prominent figure at the Standing Rock protests against the Dakota Access Pipeline. He brings Indigenous humor and activism together in everything he does.
Seminole/Muscogee · actors · Sterlin Harjo (born November 14, 1979) is a Seminole Nation citizen and Muscogee descendant from Holdenville, Oklahoma. He is a director, producer, and screenwriter who co-created the groundbreaking FX series "Reservation Dogs" with Taika Waititi — the first television series to feature an entirely Indigenous writers room and predominantly Indigenous cast and crew. The show ran for three acclaimed seasons (2021–2023) and was set in rural Oklahoma, telling the story of four Indigenous teenagers. Before "Reservation Dogs," Harjo directed several award-winning independent films including "Four Sheets to the Wind" (2007), "Barking Water" (2009), "Mekko" (2015), and "Love and Fury" (2021). He is a Sundance veteran and one of the most important Indigenous filmmakers working today.
Ojibwe (Leech Lake) · authors · David Treuer is an Ojibwe author from Leech Lake whose "The Heartbeat of Wounded Knee" was a National Book Award finalist. The book challenges the narrative that Native American history ended at Wounded Knee, documenting Indigenous resilience over 130 years.
He teaches at USC and has been instrumental in shifting understanding of Native Americans from historical victims to living, thriving peoples.
Ojibwe (Anishinaabe) · artists · Norval Morrisseau (1932–2007), also known by his Anishinaabe name Miskwaabik Animiiki ("Copper Thunderbird"), was an Ojibwe artist from the Bingwi Neyaashi Anishinaabek First Nation near Lake Nipigon, Ontario. He founded the Woodland School of Art, a revolutionary style that combined Anishinaabe spiritual traditions with bold, colorful imagery using thick black outlines and vibrant colors. Morrisseau was the first Indigenous Canadian artist to have a solo exhibition at a major gallery (Pollock Gallery, Toronto, 1962), and his work opened doors for generations of First Nations artists. He was made an Officer of the Order of Canada and inducted into the Canadian Walk of Fame. His legacy as the grandfather of contemporary Indigenous art in Canada is profound and enduring.
Cayuga/Ojibwe · musicians · A Tribe Called Red (now known as The Halluci Nation) is a Canadian electronic music group that blends traditional powwow vocals and drumming with modern electronic dance music, hip-hop, and dubstep. Founded in 2008 in Ottawa by DJs Bear Witness (Cayuga), NDN (Ojibwe), and 2oolman, the group pioneered the genre they call "powwow step." Their self-titled debut album and follow-ups "Nation II Nation" (2013) and "We Are the Halluci Nation" (2016) received widespread acclaim and Juno Awards. The group's Electric Pow Wow dance nights became legendary gatherings celebrating Indigenous culture in urban spaces. Their music has been a rallying cry for Indigenous pride and resistance, featured in film, television, and protest movements worldwide.
Ojibwe · musicians · Keith Secola is a legendary Ojibwe musician, singer-songwriter, and guitarist best known for his iconic anthem "NDN Kars," which has been called the Native American national anthem. Born in Cook, Minnesota, Secola is of Anishinaabe heritage and grew up on the Iron Range. His music blends rock, folk, blues, and Indigenous influences into a uniquely powerful sound that celebrates Native identity with humor, heart, and soul. Secola has won multiple Native American Music Awards (NAMMYs) including Artist of the Year and Best Pop Recording. He has performed across Indian Country for decades and remains one of the most beloved and recognizable figures in Native American music. His songs like "NDN Kars" and "Fry Bread" are staples at powwows and gatherings everywhere.
Cherokee/Shawnee/Choctaw · musicians · Martha Redbone is a singer, songwriter, and composer of Cherokee, Shawnee, Choctaw, and African American heritage from Brooklyn, New York. She has built a remarkable career blending roots music, blues, soul, funk, and traditional Native sounds into a style uniquely her own. Redbone's album "The Garden of Love: Songs of William Blake" received widespread critical acclaim. Her musical "Bone Hill: The Concert" tells the story of her family's Cherokee roots and the impact of blood quantum laws on Native identity. She has performed at Lincoln Center, Carnegie Hall, the Smithsonian, and festivals worldwide. A dedicated educator, Redbone leads music and cultural programs for Indigenous youth and has taught at NYU and the New School.
Navajo (Diné) · athletes · Ryneldi Becenti (born August 11, 1971) is a Diné (Navajo) basketball legend from Fort Defiance, Arizona, on the Navajo Nation. She made history as the first Native American to play in the WNBA when she was drafted by the Phoenix Mercury in 1997. Before going pro, Becenti was a two-time All-Pac-10 selection at Arizona State University and was the first Native American woman to receive a full Division I basketball scholarship. She was inducted into the American Indian Athletic Hall of Fame in 1996 — the first woman ever honored. Becenti became a hero across the Navajo Nation and throughout Indian Country, proving that Native women could compete at the highest levels of professional basketball. She later became a coach and mentor to young Native athletes.
Santee Dakota · musicians · John Trudell (1946–2015) was a Santee Dakota poet, musician, actor, and activist who became one of the most powerful voices in the American Indian Movement. Born near the Santee Sioux Reservation in Nebraska, Trudell served as chairman of the American Indian Movement (AIM) from 1973 to 1979 and was a key figure in the 1969 Alcatraz Island occupation. After a devastating personal tragedy in 1979, he channeled his activism into poetry and music, releasing acclaimed spoken-word albums with guitarist Jesse Ed Davis. His album "AKA Grafitti Man" was called "the best album of 1992" by Bob Dylan. Trudell also acted in films including "Smoke Signals" and "Thunderheart." His legacy as a poet-warrior continues to inspire Indigenous resistance movements worldwide.
Seabird Island Band · authors · Terese Marie Mailhot is a member of the Seabird Island Band in British Columbia, Canada. Her debut memoir "Heart Berries" (2018) became a New York Times bestseller and was named one of the best books of the year by multiple publications. The memoir is a raw, poetic account of growing up on the Seabird Island Indian Reserve, grappling with intergenerational trauma, mental illness, and the complexities of Indigenous womanhood. Mailhot's writing has appeared in the New York Times, the Los Angeles Times, and numerous literary journals. She teaches creative writing at Purdue University and has been recognized with the Whiting Award and a Rona Jaffe Foundation Writers' Award. Her voice is essential in contemporary Indigenous literature.
Santa Clara Pueblo (Tewa) · artists · Rose B. Simpson (born 1983) is a Tewa artist from Kha'p'oe Owingeh (Santa Clara Pueblo) in New Mexico. She is a multi-disciplinary artist working in sculpture, ceramics, installation, performance, music, writing, and custom car building. Simpson's monumental ceramic and mixed-media figures explore themes of community, vulnerability, and resilience. Her 2018 sculpture "Counterculture" — a 7-foot ceramic figure placed atop the Denver Art Museum — became iconic. She comes from a celebrated lineage of Pueblo potters including her mother Roxanne Swentzell. Simpson holds an MFA from the Rhode Island School of Design and has shown at the Met, the Institute of Contemporary Art Boston, and museums worldwide. Her work pushes ceramics far beyond its traditional boundaries.
Mohawk (Kahnawake) · athletes · Waneek Horn-Miller (born November 30, 1975) is a Mohawk from the Kahnawake Mohawk Territory and a groundbreaking Indigenous athlete. She co-captained the Canadian women's water polo team at the 2000 Sydney Olympics, becoming one of the first Mohawk women to compete in the Olympic Games. Her journey to the Olympics was shaped by a pivotal moment during the 1990 Oka Crisis, when she was stabbed by a Canadian soldier's bayonet while carrying her four-year-old sister to safety — an event that fueled her determination to use sport as a vehicle for Indigenous empowerment. Horn-Miller has become a powerful advocate for Indigenous health, fitness, and youth engagement through sport. She has served on the board of the Aboriginal Sport Circle and worked with Right to Play.
Navajo (Diné) · actors · Sydney Freeland (born 1980) is a Navajo filmmaker, writer, and director from Gallup, New Mexico. She directed the Netflix film "Rez Ball" (2024), a coming-of-age basketball story set on the Navajo Nation that became a cultural phenomenon. Freeland also directed the feature "Drunktown's Finest" (2014), which premiered at Sundance, and has helmed episodes of "Grey's Anatomy," "Reservation Dogs," "Star Trek: Strange New Worlds," and "Rutherford Falls." As a transgender Navajo woman, she brings intersectional perspectives to her work and has spoken powerfully about representation for both Indigenous and LGBTQ+ communities in media. She is one of the most in-demand Indigenous directors working in Hollywood today.