There are hundreds of Native American tribes across the United States, all of which encompass a breadth of community, language and history. Native American actors, politicians and athletes are using their platforms to advocate for increased representation of this vast culture within sports and media. Their voices are helping propel a future of accuracy, accessibility and accountability.
Lily Gladstone
Lily Gladstone was raised on the Blackfeet Indian Reservation, and is of Piegan Blackfeet and Nez Perce heritage. She is most recognizable from her role as Mollie Burkhart in Martin Scorsese’s “Killers of the Flower Moon.” Along with the film itself being nominated for a Golden Globe, Gladstone was also the first indigenous woman to win a Golden Globe for “Best Actress in a Leading Role.” She spoke part of her Oscar acceptance speech in her Native language, Blackfoot, and raised questions about why it has taken so long for an Indigenous North American to win a Golden Globe, especially considering that many North American Oscar-winning films have been shot on Indigenous land.
Creed Humphrey
Creed Humphrey was born in Shawnee, Oklahoma and is a member of the Potawatomi Nation. He is a center on the Kansas City Chiefs, and has started for every game of his career. He has two All-Pro appearances, and has also helped the Chiefs secure two Super Bowl wins. He uses his platform to recognize the scarcity of Native American professional athletes, and act as a role model for younger people.
Jason Momoa
Jason Momoa was born in Honolulu, Hawaii. He is Native Hawaiian and Samoan on his father’s side and Pawnee on his grandmother’s side. He is known for his role as Aquaman in the DC superhero universe, and has also been featured in the massively popular, “Game of Thrones” and “Dune.” He maintains deep engagement with his Native heritage, particularly within his advocacy for the protection of Hawaii’s Native land. Notably, he participated in the Thirty Meter Telescope protests, which were a series of demonstrations meant to prevent a telescope from being built on the sacred Mauna Kea volcano.
Gil Birmingham
Gil Birmingham is Comanche on his father’s side. He is known for many popular roles in film and TV, including playing Billy Black in the “Twilight” saga. He also has been featured in the gripping series “Yellowstone” and in “Under the Banner of Heaven.” Birmingham hopes to use his work to encourage a contemporary, progressive depiction of Indigenous people, and to dispel stereotypes about all Native Americans living in reservations or being reduced to other unrealistic depictions.
Sharice Davids
Sharice Davids is a member of the 116th House of Representatives and of the Ho-Chunk Nation in Wisconsin. She and Debra Haaland are the first two Native American women to be elected to Congress. Davids is the first LGBTQ+ Native American woman to join Congress. As a first-generation college and law student, she is interested in improving access and affordability of education. She serves her community by drafting legislation such as the “Native American Entrepreneurial Opportunity Act” which aims to support Native Americans who may face challenges in attracting private investment or accessing federal contracting.
