I'm Here With Magazine Issue 1 | Page 71

Have you faced challenges being a Plains Cree Nehiyaw, Canadian? Tell us more about your background?

I’m a Plains Cree, Nehiyaw. Yes of course I’ve had many challenges being a “Native” actor, I kind of despise that term. I am just an actor who happens to be Nehiyaw. How I have been made to feel is, I’m either not native enough or I’m too much, for a role. I’ve been told I’m too good-looking to be a native, to me it’s not a compliment, it’s the stupidest remark I’ve ever heard time and time again, and from casting people! To me it’s blatant discrimination. I really don’t respect the stigmas attached to my culture by people who are ignorant. I would never comment on race to people, I try to be very respectful and quiet and humble, as I was taught. I’ve been through a lot of racism. It feel like it’s difficult being a minority in my own country is all I’ll say.

What was working on an Oscar-winning movie, the Revenant like?

I worked as a Stuntman on “The Revenant “, it was an awesome experience, I learned more skills and met so many great Stuntmen. I’m not big on meeting “A” list actors unless I’m working directly with them, had my chance to meet Leonardo DiCaprio and Tom Hardy but I passed it up because I had to go back home and do more work and that’s what’s most important to me. I was impressed by how much money, time and effort was put in by production and I was very happy to have been a part of such a celebrated project.

Where do you want to see yourself in 5 years in your career?

5 years down the road…I see myself in my own Television Series as well I see my music career going well and also be Directing a few Movies and TV Series. Just putting it out there!

What is it really like to be an actor from your view, it’s not as glamorous as people think or is it?

From my point of view and my experience as an actor now for 26 years plus…it’s been an adventure. Lots of ups and downs. more downs really. It’s not easy but it is my passion and I’m still here and I’m still working so that says a lot.

What is your favorite quote?

A great quote that says it all is, “It's not a job…it’s an Adventure.”

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